Common Problems Hindering Software Installation

Have you ever tried installing a program to your computer and you really got stucked trying to do so? What could have gone wrong?

In today's computer software maintenance tip, I'd discuss what could have been the problem and possible solutions.

The possible problems could be:

1. Virus on your system.

2. The software is infected with virus and your computer antivirus is blocking the installation of the program.

3. The program is not compatible with the architectural design of your computer CPU. 

4. The operating system of your computer is corrupt.

Okay now you've known what the problem could have been.

I'll like to discuss a little about problems 3 and 4.

For Problem 3:

There are two architectural designs for a computer CPU. They are x32 bits and x64 bits. If you're trying to install a 64 bits program on a 32 bits system, it will definitely not install.

Incompatible Software Error on Windows

You might ask "then what should I do?". It's very simple: just look for the program that is compatible with the architectural design of your computer CPU. Some recent programs are only x64 bit compatible so the only solution to that is to upgrade your system to a x64 bit compatible computer.

You can also read: Computer Storage Optimization.

"How will I know?", you might ask.

While installing a program either from disk or downloaded from the internet, look out for if it's x64 bit or x32 bit. A 64 bit program will simply be compatible with a 64 bit system and a 32 bit program will be compatible for a 32 bit system.

"Can I install a 32 bit program on a 64 bit system?", you might ask. 

The answer is YES. 

You might have noticed x86 on some programs folder.

While installing a 32 bit program on a 64 bit system, the program will get directed to a x86 folder. That gives 64 bit a upper hand above 32 bit.

"How do I check the architecture of my system CPU?" 

==> Locate 'My Computer' icon on your desktop for Windows 7 or 'PC' icon for a Windows 10.

==> Right click on the icon and click 'Properties'. Check through what pops up on the screen and you'll see either x32 bit or x64 bit somewhere around in the system description.

"Why couldn't a program I installed run on my 32 bit system despite the fact that I installed it without the option to select it's compatibility with my system?" 

There are some recent programs that are built not to be compatible with 32 bit systems. 

  A recent program I discovered was Pycharm community version. If you try to install it on a x32 bit system it will bring up a message like "Pycharm community version is not built to run on 32 bit system". There are other programs but I only used that as a typical example.

For Problem 4:

The only solution to problem 4, which is corrupted operating system, is formatting your system.

 Do a complete formatting not partial formatting. What I mean by complete formatting is that you wipe off every partition on the HDD or SSD and install fresh operating system.

Doing a partial formatting will not wipe off the corrupted operating system, it will be registered in a '.old' folder on your computer.

WARNING: Before you go ahead with complete formatting, make sure your important works are backed up to an external drive because they will all be wiped off without recovery.

You've got other questions about program installation? Drop them in the comment section and I'll be glad to help to the best of my ability.

Thanks for reading. 

Do well SHARE as you await another computer hardware or software maintenance tip.