Vista Experience Update: Windows Vista x64 runs 32-bit Internet Explorer by Default

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Vista Experience Update: Windows Vista x64 runs 32-bit Internet Explorer by Default

3. December 2006

The Internet Explorer shortcut in the Quick Launch toolbar and in the Start menu of Vista x64 will run the 32-bit version of Internet Explorer by default. Why run the 32-bit version if IE on the 64-bit version of Vista?

There are actually two shortcuts for Internet Explorer in the "All Programs" menu. Why two and what's the difference?

Here's the title of each and the exe's they run:

Internet Explorer
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe"

Internet Explorer (64-bit)
"C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe"

The first one runs IE from the "Program Files (x86)" folder, this is the 32-bit version. The second one is the 64-bit version.

How do I make the Quick Launch shortcut run the 64-bit version of IE?

Right-Click the Shortcut
Click "Properties"
On the Shortcut tab, replace the content of the "Target" textbox with the target from the "Internet Explorer (64-bit)" shortcut in the "All Programs" menu.
Happy surfing via IE 64-bit

Are there any gotchas to running the 64-bit version of IE?

Actually there is one that I know of. At the time I'm posting this there is no 64-bit version of Flash Player. So, if you need to view a website that uses Flash, then you'll need to use the 32-bit version IE; at least for now. I'm sure Adobe will release a 64-bit version of Flash Player by the end of January when Vista ships to consumers. But then again, maybe not since Vista x64 runs 32-bit IE by default.

I wonder what other oddities like this are hidden within Vista.

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Comments

Mik

12/7/2006 3:02:00 AM #

google search also did not install when i installed it from ie 64. it installed on ie 32. and microsoft file transfer manager also did not install and work on ie 64 (tried from virtual pc 2007 beta site), but worked fine on ie 32.

bruce

3/18/2007 5:31:00 PM #

I purchased a 64 bit notebook HP. It has both 32 and 64 bit IE. 32 doesn't function, but was included on the machine. Called HP, they said, "32 bit IE will not operate on a 64 bit notebook." I don't believe this, because I have installed/used other 32 bit apps. Any ideas on how I can get my 32 bit IE to function? Please advise.

Chris Pietschmann

3/18/2007 7:05:00 PM #

I just have a couple questions:

What model of HP is it? What are the specs? Is it running XP or Vista and wich version?

bruce

3/19/2007 5:59:00 PM #

Thanks for your prompt reply

Model: HP dv9000 / Operating system: Windows Vista Ultimate / It is a 64 bit machine

I called the manufacturer's tech support, and had a lengthy wait AFTER I spoke to a technician. However, he only said that the 32 bit version of Internet Explorer will not work on my 64 bit notebook. Logically, I can't imagine HP wasting the time to install both browsers if only one will work.
Thanks for all your help.

Chris Pietschmann

3/19/2007 6:12:00 PM #

The only answer I can give you is that 32-bit IE should work just fine; especially since you can run other 32-bit apps.

I looked up the specs of the HP DV9000 and it looks like it comes with different CPU's depending on which version you get. The CPU's that it can come with are AMD Sempron, AMD Turion X2 or Intel Core 2 Duo. All three of these CPU's are basically a hybrid of both 64-bit and 32-bit which makes them able to run both 64-bit and 32-bit applications. In order to run 64-bit software you must have the 64-bit version of Windows, and the 64-bit version of Windows can also run 32-bit software as long as the hardware supports it. I am running 64-bit Vista Ultimate on an AMD Athlon X2 (which is 64-bit) and I am able to run all 32-bit and 64-bit software just fine.

If you can't figure it out, I would recommend calling Microsoft support. You do get support for Windows itself from Microsoft since you own a license.

5/10/2007 7:06:00 AM #

Both IE 32-bit and IE64-bit work fine on my HPdv9225 (AMD Turion64X2) running Vista Ultimate (64-bit). There are however some plugins that will NOT install with the IE 64-bit. Because of that, I almost exclusively use IE 32-bit. If not already done, try installing all of the MS updates. It might help.

John Ferguson

9/22/2007 4:14:00 PM #

Not sure if you have noticed but by default Vista 64 bits also load Media Player 32bit. to change this do the same steps as you did to change the internet explorer link.

Chris Pietschmann

9/22/2007 7:04:00 PM #

Yes, I noticed that. I am curious as to why they have the 32bit Media Player run by default. The only reason I can think of is it must have some plugin issues the same way that IE does.

9/27/2007 1:22:00 AM #

I purchased a Dell Inspiron E1505 this past Spring and cannot run any Flash Player ... I was reading about the IE 64 bit ... however, it's also my understanding that the IE 64 bit does not yet have a compatible flash player. I know enough to be dangerous, but can't quite figure out how/where to find the 32 bit option.
Thanks in advance!

Chris Pietschmann

9/27/2007 2:36:00 PM #

I'm assuming you are running Vista. The 32-bit version if Internet Explorer is within the "Program Files (x86)" folder and the 64-bit version is within the "Program Files" folder. This is the same for all other software that you install in Vista. It think it's nice that all the app installed are organized this way.

guest

10/1/2007 9:46:00 AM #

Hi there. I have windows vista 64 ultimate installed, working fine (as far as vista does), but i experience a strange problem since this morning: only ie 64 and windows update work when trying to connect to the internet. Ie 32, opera (my usual browser) and every 32 bits app that tries to connect just doesnt, giving errors as if there was no connection available. Has anybody experienced anything like this?

Thx in advance

Tom

10/7/2007 6:47:00 PM #

I have the same problem with Vista x64 Ultimate. IE (64 bit) works fine but when I run IE (32 bit) it won't connect and occasionally gives me the dreaded "Internet Explorer has stopped working"! I hate the way this message implies that it was once working!!

Would very much appreciate a solution if anyone has one?

Kevin

10/10/2007 7:21:00 PM #

^^ Same problem as me; IE 64-bit works fine, IE 32bit & firefox keeps popping bringing up the app crash dialog. Just started happening today. I am running Vista x64 Business.

guest

10/12/2007 7:37:00 PM #

I forgot to comment: the solution in my case was to uninstall NOD 32. Even without a reboot everything started to work fine. And what is more weird: i reinstalled nod32 and no problem since then.

I suppose vista still has some issues to deal with. Many, indeed. Hope this helps someone. Cheers.

yep

11/22/2007 3:42:00 PM #

I have had this issue twice now, the first time about 8 months ago, initially I discovered it was related to the HTTP checking in the IMON setup.

It is defiantly a NOD32 ISSUE, it took a while to figure out though.

smajky

11/25/2007 6:18:00 PM #

I just had the exact same problem, and disabling IMON in Nod32 didn't help. However, I did find the solution on techtalkz.com forum, but I'm not sure if linking is allowed here so I'll just write it down. The solution for me was to reset winsock file:
1. Go to start -> run -> cmd and type following in command prompt followed by enter:
netsh winsock reset
2. restart computer

That did it for me, everything works as before now.

Energia

12/4/2007 8:06:00 PM #

The same for me I'm italian and I have vista x64 ultimate with firefox 32bit and nod32:

appcrash

thank for your info, I solved with

winsock reset 2 command...