Why both IE9 x64 and x86 on Win7 x64?

Hi guys,

I recently bought a new HP laptop running Windows 7 64-bit, but the default IE9 on my desktop is the x86 version! I can see the x64 version of IE9 is installed in my Program Files (x64) folder, so I'm baffled about two things:

1. Why HP installs both the x64 and x86 version of IE9 on Win7 64-bit (seems like a big waste of space)?

2. Why HP puts a shortcut to the x86 version (and not the x64) version on my Windows x64 desktop?

I'd like to ask HP these questions but alas they don't provide a support contact phone number.

Wendi

 

Read for more information: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ieinternals/archive/2009/05/29/q-a-64-bit-internet-explorer.aspx

It's not "HP" that installs them. They are integrated with Win 7 64-bit by Microsoft (but you can uninstall).

 

Because you may encounter a site or a browser plugin that isn't compatible with the 64 bit version of Internet Explorer, thus they keep the x86 version. Most people only need the x86 version reallly.

And you couldn't worry about space it's only a few megs

Plus! It's not HP that install Internet Explorer, that comes standard with Windows 7 and the 64 bit verison of Windows 7 inlcludes both the x86 and the x64 versions

 

Thank you for that info guest, although after reading the blog I'm kind of confused as to which version I should use and whether or not it's a good idea to keep them both.

Wendi

 

Thanks berryracer. I guess compatibility issues are why Microsoft makes the x86 version the default.

Wendi

 

I would wait for IE10 x64 and use the IE9 x86 for now. Right now, IE9 x64 has some performance disadvantages (as explained by MS).

 

Good idea. When is v10 due for release?

 

Very soon. Maybe we'll have the exact answer in a few moments (thanks to this nice event).. #NeowinIE

 

Thanks JR...

 

I would consider Waterfox if you want to surf with a 64 bit browser but are not keen on IE 9.

Having said that, with the right flash plug-ins & Java, IE 9 64 bit works very well. I'd definitely keep it. It shares the same profile with the 32 bit IE 9 anyway.