Access 32 Bit version

Question

I have a Windows 64 bit system. Below 'About Micrsoft Access' it says that I have the 32 bit version of Access. I don't see 32 bit on or in the Access box or the CD.

Is this normal?

James

Answer 1

Gee, I haven't looked at a box in years so I have no idea what they might or might not say.  But, the 32 bit version of Access will run just fine in 64 bit Win7.  I think what you have is the preferred arrangement on 64 bit Win7 because the 64 bit version of Access is new while the 32 bit version is tried and true to the point where the gotchas are mostly understood.

Answer 2

Marsh is absolutely correct that the 32 bit version is preferred, regardless of what version of the operating system you're using. Seehttp://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/word-help/choose-the-32-bit-or-64-bit-version-of-microsoft-office-HA010369476.aspx?CTT=1, where it says

"Important    The 32-bit version of Office 2010 is the recommended option for most people, because it prevents potential compatibility issues with other 32-bit applications, specifically third-party add-ins that are available only for 32-bit operating systems."

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Doug Steele, Microsoft Access MVP

http://www.AccessMVP.com/djsteele (no e-mails, please!)

Answer 3

Marsh is absolutely correct that the 32 bit version is preferred, regardless of what version of the operating system you're using. Seehttp://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/word-help/choose-the-32-bit-or-64-bit-version-of-microsoft-office-HA010369476.aspx?CTT=1, where it says

"Important    The 32-bit version of Office 2010 is the recommended option for most people, because it prevents potential compatibility issues with other 32-bit applications, specifically third-party add-ins that are available only for 32-bit operating systems."

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Doug Steele, Microsoft Access MVP

http://www.AccessMVP.com/djsteele (no e-mails, please!)

Further to Doug's response, I wish to use Microsoft Power BI with data from MS Access.  Power BI says I need the 64bit Microsoft Access Database Engine.  The download site says I cannot have the 64-bit version because I run the 32 bit version of Access.  I downloaded the 32 bit Database Engine.  The Power BI software doesn't like it.

Does this mean that if I want to use Microsoft Power BI with Access source data I have no option but to upgrade to the 64 bit version Access?

If "yes":

 - How do I do that (link preferably) and do I need to uninstall the 32bit version first?

 - Can 64 bit Access co-exist in Office alongside 32-bit application (like Word, Excel) but replacing 32 Access?

I think I understand the impediments on 3rd party software written for 32 bit Access that will not necessarily run on 64 bit Access.  That's fine.  I am more interested in the Power BI tool.

Answer 4

Marshall Barton [MVP] wrote in

news:*** Email address is removed for privacy ***

m:

Gee, I haven't looked at a box in years so I have no idea

what they might or might not say.  But, the 32 bit version of

Access will run just fine in 64 bit Win7.  I think what you have

is the preferred arrangement on 64 bit Win7 because the 64 bit

version of Access is new while the 32 bit version is tried and

true to the point where the gotchas are mostly understood.

And Microsoft's recommended configuration for installing Office on a

64-bit machine is to install the 32-bit version. The only exception

is if you need the 64-bit memory space for apps like Excel. In that

case, you'd install 64-bit Office (you can't mix and match).

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David W. Fenton                  http://www.dfenton.com/ contact via website only     http://www.dfenton.com/DFA/

Answer 5

There are many add-ins. I see your point.

James