Various Programs - No Right-Click Menu In Vista 64

Although most of my XP/Vista 32 bit apps work fine in Vista 64, many do not show their right-click context menus even though I have enabled them. There are a few that appear but the majority do not. Is there some way to correct this?

Thanks!

Although many 32 bit programs will run in Vista 64 bit systems, the shell extensions (context menu items) will not be available unless they are specifically written for 64 bit.

At least this is my understanding after doing some additional research.

I like to write my own shell extensions. I don't have a 64 bit OS to test them but it's
my understanding that unless they are compiled with a 64 bit compiler, the only way
to use them with a 64 bit OS is to run a 32 bit shell. My next PC will most likely be running 64 bit Vista Home Premium so I guess I'll find out then.

When I ordered my new PC, the ad said nothing about it being a 64 bit system. It wasn't until the machine was actually in transit that (quite by accident) I discovered this. I definitely had my concerns in terms of software compatibility but now that I'm two months into the new PC I'm relieved to say that of the MANY programs I use, only one is not compatible. Quite honestly, the 64 bit machine has proven itself to be the best computer I've ever owned. Still, the vast majority of my software (including latest versions in many cases) are not coded for 64 bit compatible contest menus and some are sorely missed.

I thought I read somewhere that there's a 32 bit version of explorer that you can
run to use your shell extensions. Alternatively you may add a 32 bit OS to another partition(such as XP) or, use an older computer for the 32 bit shell extension stuff and put it on a network. Now if you have a router File & Printer sharing is much easier to set up than it used to be. A guy on another board just bought a Quad Core PC with 64 bit Vista and was concerned about not being able to run some old 16 bit apps he still wanted to use. His solution was to keep the old PC next to the new one to run the old apps.

I use a kvma switch because on my desk there's only room for one monitor mouse and keyboard. But when I buy a new PC I only have to buy the tower. If the new PC doesn't run some of my favorite apps I run them on the old PC until things catch up with the new machine and/or OS. Although with Shell Extensions it's really convenient to click in explorer so I can imagine it's a PITA to go without.

Video is changing though(still using a CRT screen) so eventually I'll probably have to bite the bullet and get a 16x9 digital monitor. Then I'll have to get a bigger desk.

I found this work around
for running 32 bit shell extensions by running explorer 32 bit. I don't have a 64 bit system to try it out so I'm not sure what happens. Maybe just one 32 bit explorer window while the others run 64 bit explorer?