32 bit vs. 64 bit Windows Woes

Have you been experiencing a few issues with your FileMaker software lately? You’re not alone. We’ve been seeing a lot of clients getting bit by this nasty 32 bit vs. 64 bit bug.

What the difference? The number of bit refers to your computer processor. Files are built for processing on a 32 bit system or on a 64 bit system. These numbers refer to the architecture of your system. The bottom line: files and apps are built to run on either a 32 bit processor or a 64 bit processor but not both.

So, what is happening to your FileMaker software? It starts with the connection between your CPU and your FileMaker App. FileMaker in the Windows environment comes in two flavors: 32 bit vs. 64 bit. This is a reference to the data architecture and how large a memory chunk the application can consume at a time.

Most of the issues we are seeing stem from a mis-match in either 32 or 64 bit. If you do not have matching architecture, then you will get an error. For example, if your system is 32 bit and you download 64 bit FileMaker, your system will run into a problem.

To avoid these issues going forward, make sure your plugins, your copy of Windows, and your copy of FileMaker are all the same architecture in order for them all to play well together

(There are some exceptions where some 32-bit plugins and apps will work on 64-bit architecture. But to play it safe, if you are having any trouble, make sure they are all the same, and you should be good to go.)

If you have encountered this problem, then go to the FileMaker and download the correct version for your system.