[kiwi_2005]

Originally Posted by frau kaleun

What I'm wondering now is, why are there two different versions of IE to begin with, and is there a reason why the 64-bit IE is not the default version on a 64-bit installation of Windows, and if there's no reason I can't just use it all the time, how can I make it the default version that opens whenever I click a URL? I don't open IE by clicking an "IE shortcut," I open it by clicking a URL or something in my Favorites list, so just changing the file that any shortcuts point to won't work.

Google is your buddy. Ive wondered why as well (running 64bit win7 & have IE32/64) your question got me to Google.

It seems the problem is with MS ActiveX controls.

This could be happening if the programs that you are installing are supported by 32 bit only and so it gets integrated with the 32 bit Internet Explorer.
The differences between the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Internet Explorer can affect toolbar add-ins and Microsoft ActiveX controls. For example, 32-bit toolbar add-ins do not work in the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer. These add-ins include the MSN toolbar, the AOL toolbar, the eBay toolbar, and the Google toolbar. You can install 32-bit toolbars in the 32-bit version of Internet Explorer. However, the 32-bit toolbars will not appear in the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer.

For example, when you start the Setup program for the 32-bit Google toolbar in the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer, the Google Setup program closes the 64-bit Internet Explorer window. The Google Setup program opens a new 32-bit Internet Explorer window when setup is completed. The Google toolbar appears in the 32-bit version of Internet Explorer, and the toolbar works correctly. The 32-bit Google toolbar is not installed in the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer.

By design, the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer cannot host 32-bit ActiveX controls. Additionally, the 32-bit version of Internet Explorer cannot host 64-bit ActiveX controls.

Hope this information is helpful.

Amrita M
Microsoft Answers Support Engineer
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