gdgt

So I just got done installing Windows 7 64-bit on a new Dell I got. Got it all patched up and working smoothly. Then I go to install my can't-live-without-it-deal-breaker browser of choice - Firefox. No go.

Turns out there is still not a 64-bit version of Firefox. WTF? I guess I just assumed there would be by now. There is a hacked together branch that a group has made, but there is no Add-on support. Which is my whole reason for using Firefox, without Add-ons, I may as well use IE.

It will run in 32-bit compatibility mode, but disables add-ons and extensions, and also makes you confirm that you are running in 32-bit mode on every startup. Not cool. Again, deal-breaker.

Google doesn't seem to have much info on this. Does anyone out there have a better workaround?

If not, I'll have to go back to 32-bit I guess.

Just install the 32 bit firefox.

Just install 32 bit chrome, if you can't get add-ons its not worth using Firefox. Although you have to go to the dev channel.

I know firefox has a reputation as a memory hog, but unless it's using more than 3GB of ram for firefox alone there won't be a noticeable performance differnce between a 32bit and 64bit version of firefox on Win7 64.

I don't use firefox, (or its associated addins) but I quickly kicked up a 32bit version here and it was able to install a random addin with no issues.

I'm running 32-bit Firefox on 64-bit Windows 7 (have been since the RC, now running the final version of Win7 Pro) and all of my add-ons (about 20) and plugins are working just fine.

You'd think there would be an official 64-bit Firefox already, but 32-bit is working fine for me.

There is no 64-bit version of Flash, so why use ANY 64-bit browser right now?
I know, I know - Flash is a terrible blight on the internet, but you just can't avoid it if you like watching video online.

You know what, I think I figured out the cause of my problems. Firefox installed itself by default as the Safe Mode application, which is what was disabling add-ons and throwing notifications, etc. I found the regular non-safe-mode 32-bit application in the Program Files directory and am launching that instead now.

Initially it was throwing a confirmation that "this shortcut is modifying the program" or something to that effect, which I was able to turn off by completely turning off UAC notifications. Even on the lowest setting it was throwing them.

Now, it runs happily in the 32-bit mode and Flash is working, etc. Guess it was my own stupidity. I must admit, I completely skipped Vista, and never ran 64-bit XP because there was NO compatibility back in the day. I just assumed things would be compatible now.

Before installing 7, I searched around about installing 32 vs 64 bit to see what the current concensus is, and everything I found, including an article on Gizmodo, said to just use 64 now.


Now, back off topic, to add to the Flash discussion, another reason Flash is annoying (besides what others have said) is that it's a CPU hog. The current version can't utilize DirectX or anything so all processing is done on the CPU, it can't offload to the GPU. I hear the next version will add that capability though.

I have Vista X64 and am using the Firefox and am soon in the process of upgrading to Windows 7 X64 version. I can not image the Firefox would not work on windows 7 version since it works fine on my Vista system.

Currently running x64 Win7 with 32-bit FF with zero issues. Seems like you're an unlucky bloke subject to the 'gremlins' in any OS + app setup.

The 64 bit version of Firefox is called Namoroka. It works fine for me but, as mentioned, there is not a 64 bit version of Flash yet. If I need Flash, I open the 32 bit Firefox. Unfortunately Firefox and Namoroka cannot run at the same time, so you have to close one to run the other. (on my machine, at least)