Vista - 32 Bit Games Won't Run Even in Compatability Mode

Hey, everyone, My husband JUST bought a Dell Studio 540, with Vista Home Premium 64 Bit, Pentium Dual Core CPU 2.5 GHz. (Hope this enough info. If more is needed, I can try and provide) He's about ready to blow a gasket (not a pretty pic) because some games come up with the following error at load:

"The version of this file is not compatible with the version of Windows you're running. Check your computer's system information to see whether you need an X86 (32 bit) or X64 bit version on the program, and then contact the software publisher."

First, what are X86 and X64?

Here's the sticky part:

I have tried running the installation program on compatability mode, and tried all the different possibilities (not an easy thing), then I also tried looking at Vista forums elsewhere, but have found no real answers.

Honestly, I have no idea what this all means, but I hope you amazing people can help.

There are three games our kids really love, and it would disappoint my husband to no end if they couldn't play them. Is there a way to fix this?

Thanks VERY MUCH in advance!!!!

Hi ourfamily and welcome to Vista Forums

Many programs will install and run on a 64-bit (x64) system, even if they are 32-bit (x86) programs. However, they need a 32-bit installer and, if the program only comes with a 16-bit installer, the said program cannot be installed on a 64-bit system. If that is the case, then you will need an upto date version of the program with a 32-bit installer. If, however, the program installs but does not run, you will probably need a patch in order to make it Vista compliant. In both cases, check the relevant program manufacturers website for more information.

Out of curiosity, what are the games in question, and who are the manufacturers/publishers?

ourfamily\

btw

x86, is 32bit OS, x64, 64bit like you have installed.

Exactly what games are you running ?