why some 32 bit apps wont run in xp 64bit, but will run in 7 64bit? Is there any fix?

[alekm]

Hi guys, simple question, so I plz you to stick with it. [If I haven't said that I am sure that you would tell me about forget xp, go to 7 or 8. This is very common, not only for me, but for others as well, so its best for everyone to answer only to the question, unless there is a suggestion, witch is very welcome ! Otherwise, the main topic of the conversation is lost]

Back to topic, I know that xp 64bit have problem with 32bit apps (besides drivers) because of WOW (not the warcraft! ), but it seems that 7 64bit have no problem with almost all 32bit apps if I am correct.
So, is there any workaround, fix, patch or anything for xp 64bit? Why 7 has no issue with 32bit?

 

[ViRGE]

XP64 is effectively a reskinned version of Server 2003 64bit. 32bit compatibility was not high on Microsoft's list at the time as their primary goal was to get an x86_64 version of Windows going for servers, workstations, and other entities that used specialized software. In other words, it wasn't designed for consumer use.

Vista was the first version of Windows where the 64bit version was intended to be used by consumers, and it was at that time that Microsoft hammered out 32bit compatibility issues and built the large application compatibility database necessary to make all of those programs run.

Unfortunately this means there's nothing you can do. XP64 has lousy 32bit compatibility and Microsoft will not be fixing it.

 

[alekm]

Then how win 7 does it better?

 

[theevilsharpie]

It comes down to money. Software developers have limited resources, and they aren't going to spend them supporting an OS that few people use. Windows 7 64-bit is used by a lot of people, so they support it.

 

[JackMDS]

Then how win 7 does it better?

Because WinXP was designed as a x32 software that its application can be pushed with hard work to do with x64 version.

Win 7 was designed as a x64 OS that Apps. can also easily reduced to x32

Or to state it time wise, 21st century designed OS can do better than 20th century OS.

 

[ViRGE]

Then how win 7 does it better?

It's exactly like I said: Microsoft designed Win7 to be more compatible, and then created a massive application compatibility database to back it. Neither of those are available to XP64.

 

[Ferzerp]

XP (and 2003) were the first attempt at WOW64. It's not a huge surprise that the first attempt was not as functional as later revisions. It's sort of like asking why any other software (typically) improves with later revisions.

 

[alekm]

So, win 7 use WOW too?

 

[FalseChristian]

All I can say about WOW is WOW! LOL!

 

[ViRGE]

So, win 7 use WOW too?

Correct.