Partitioning for old 32 bit programs on 64 bit computer

Thomas · Post by **Thomas** » Sun Jul 29, 2018 11:36 am

My computer's is Windows 10 64 bit with 16 GB RAM and a 3 TB drive. I tried to install some old software but get an error message relating that the 32 bit software can't be installed on the 64 bit computer. Is it possible to declare a 32 bit section on my hard drive and install the old software there? Is there any required setting changes to Windows 10 to run the 32 bit programs. Will any required settings changes to Windows 10 affect 64 bit operation? I can launch Disk Manager but I don't see any provision to create a partition for 32 bit. Thanks in advance for comments or advice.
TD

TonyT · Post by **TonyT** » Mon Jul 30, 2018 7:33 am

32bit and 64bit have nothing to do with the hard drive or its partitions. It has to do with the processor architecture. 64bit operating systems should also be able to run 32bit software IF the software is compatible. If it's not then you'll have to partition the drive and install a second operating system, 32bit version, and dual boot.

Ken · Post by **Ken** » Mon Jul 30, 2018 9:44 am

You may be able to right click on the exe, go to properties, compatibility tab and run in compatibility mode.

I just did a quick search and the following link may help;

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-make-old-desktop-apps-run-again-windows-10

Please let us know your results!
Thanks,
Ken

Humboldt · Post by **Humboldt** » Tue Jul 31, 2018 11:49 pm

Thomas wrote:My computer's is Windows 10 64 bit with 16 GB RAM and a 3 TB drive. I tried to install some old software but get an error message relating that the 32 bit software can't be installed on the 64 bit computer. Is it possible to declare a 32 bit section on my hard drive and install the old software there? Is there any required setting changes to Windows 10 to run the 32 bit programs. Will any required settings changes to Windows 10 affect 64 bit operation? I can launch Disk Manager but I don't see any provision to create a partition for 32 bit. Thanks in advance for comments or advice.
TD

We run into this issue at work all the time.

In almost every case it depends on the software, but I've had a bit of success with compatibility mode also.

Good luck!

Rainbow · Post by **Rainbow** » Tue Aug 07, 2018 5:33 pm

Do like I do and just run a vm. Install win10 32 bit on the vm and run your 32 bit stuff from there. I have lots of old software for old equipment. I still run xp in a vm for certain things.

morbidpete · Post by **morbidpete** » Mon Aug 13, 2018 4:30 pm

Rainbow wrote:Do like I do and just run a vm. Install win10 32 bit on the vm and run your 32 bit stuff from there. I have lots of old software for old equipment. I still run xp in a vm for certain things.

Exactly what I was going to mention.