Vista - can I? 32 bit software on 64 bit OS

My company just purchased a new laptop with Vista Ultimate 64.
I don't know how specific I need to be, but this is my situation.
I need to load a third party software to work with my AutoCAD 2009.
The third party apps does not support the 64 bit version of AutoCAD.


My question:
Is it possible to load a 32 bit version of AutoCAD 2009 so my third party software will work?

If not, what are some other options?
Because I need the third party software to do my job. I must have the 32 bit version of AutCAD.

Thanks for any help.

Josh

Hi Josh and welcome to Vista Forums

There should be no problem in installing and using the 32-bit edition of AutoCad 2009 on a 64-bit system. Many programs are still 32-bit only, indeed the game 'Tinker' which is available as an optional extra for users of Vista Ultimate is a 32-bit program.

That is good news to hear. Thank you.

That means that my real issue is with the install wizard.
As it will load the 32 or 64 version based on the OS that is loaded.
It does not give me an option to select (that I've found)

If you happen to have any suggestions there, again, I would appreciate it.

Josh

Hi Josh,

Unfortunately, that is a feature that is becoming increasingly common with software these days. However, depending on the software in question, this can be circumvented. Check the contents of the disc. There might be a 32-bit folder, a 64-bit folder and a folder containing common code. Check the 32-bit folder for a program called 'Install.exe', 'Install.msi', 'Setup.exe', or 'Setup.msi'. Run this program and the version of the program you require will be installed. This assumes that the disc is set up in this way and that the initial installation routine merely transfers control over to the 32-bit or 64-bit routine as appropriate. With some programs, this is not possible. All the code, whether it be the 32-bit or 64-bit code, is in a single file and the setup/installation routine extracts the necessary parts from this file.

No such luck.... I'm toast.
My next step is to see how to get coverted to a 32 bit OS.
thanks for your help.

Josh

You can upgrade to the 64-bit version from microsoft from very little cost.

Compare editions: 64-bit editions of Windows Vista and select your language from the drop down menu.

Hi Josh,

What are the 3rd party apps? Have you checked their website to see if there are any updates/patches to enable them to work in a 64-bit environment? Are there any alternatives, probably from the same manufacturer, that do the same thing but are compatible with 64-bit?

Hi josh,

Just one other thing to try - Have you contacted Autocad directly or checked their website / forums for solutions - the issue you have would I think be a not uncommon one at the moment during the transition from x32 to x64.

just a thought

I would see about a 64-bit version of Autocad to take advantage of processing power and adding RAM above 4GB. Autocad loves RAM. It should run fine. My 32-bit apps run better in a 64-bit OS because they have separate memory space.

Thanks for the replies.
The third party company is called SprinkCAD, the integrated tool performs calcs. and shop drawings for the fire protection systems that I design. Their tech support has been very involved "and helpful" while I've been trying to figure this out.

They're a least a year away from coming out with an app. that runs with a 64 bit OS... "maybe more maybe less" they can't quite nail down a release date.

We did think of one thing to try. The AoutCAD disk offers a "deployment" option to allow installations from a host computer to others. There is a selection to install a 32 bit or 64 bit download.
Technically, I should be able to shoot the install from another PC with a 32 bit platform to mine and have the 32 bit version run om my Vista Ultimate.

I was told that this has never been attempted, and if I was succesful, it would be very hard to get any type of support.

The good thing... is that since we bought the notebook direct from HP, I have 21 days to return or exchange it. Therefore the best option would be to exchange the notebook for one with the OS that I need.

Thanks for all your help.

Josh