Installing Office 2010 64-bit

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How to install the 64-bit version of Office 2010.

How to install the 64-bit version of Office 2010.

Office 2010 on a DVD disk will install the 32-bit software by default. If you choose to install the 64-bit software requires some special steps.

A downloaded Office 2010 should be offered to you in either 32-bit or 64-bit versions. If you can, download both versions so you have choices later.

As we’ve already discussed, Office 2010 32-bit is the safer option even on Windows 64-bit systems. If in doubt, choose the 32-bit Office 2010.

You need to have 64-bit edition of Windows installed. If you’re not sure which type of Windows you have, you can check by right-clicking on the Computer icon, choose Properties and look for the magic phrase ’64-bit’.

Windows 7 - 64-bit note in system information image from Installing Office 2010 64-bit at Office-Watch.com

Make sure any Office add-ins, connectors, COM DLL’s etc that you rely on are explicitly stated as being Office 2010 and 64-bit compatible.

You have to uninstall any 32-bit version of Office that’s on the computer. The 64-bit installer won’t convert or upgrade an existing Office installation.

Uninstall Office 2007 or Office 2010 32-bit as well as other Office components like the Access database engine or Office Compatibility Pack. If you don’t get rid of all the components the installer will warn you.

Office 2010 - 64 bit install error image from Installing Office 2010 64-bit at Office-Watch.com

On the Office 2010 DVD you have to explore the disk and go to the x64 folder – click on the setup.exe program in that folder. Do NOT choose the setup.exe file in the root folder – that will install 32-bit software even on 64-bit Windows.

From there the installation is quite normal, almost indistinguishable from 32-bit Office. If you choose the ‘Customize’ option then the familiar dialogs are available.

Office 2010 64-bit requires around 2GB for program files and 2.8GB space overall.

Office 2010 - 64 bit install location and space requirements image from Installing Office 2010 64-bit at Office-Watch.com

On the file location tab you’ll see that Office 2010 64-bit will be installed to the ‘Program Files’ folder compared with the ‘Program Files (x86)’ folder for 32-bit applications.

Once you click ‘Install Now’ the setup will continue – now is the time to get a coffee and cookie while Office is installed.

After the setup is completed you can open the new Office programs from the Start Menu in the usual way.

Office 2010 64-bit is visually indistinguishable from the 32-bit cousin. To confirm what software is running go to the equivalent of the ‘About’ screen – under the new Backstage menu. Click on File | Help and again look for the magic phrase ’64-bit’.

Office 2010 - About for 64-bit version image from Installing Office 2010 64-bit at Office-Watch.com

That’s it! It’s all in the preparation really.