Is it possible to downgrade from 64 bit kernel to 32 bit kernel on ubuntu 10.04

[shravansofts]

Hi Ubuntu team,

I am using Ubuntu 10.04 x64bit with 2.6.32-38 Kernel version installed on my laptop.

In order for one of my installed programs to work, I would like to downgrade the current kernel version to 32bit version of kernel 2.6.32-38 from 64 bit version.

1. Is it possible to downgrade the bit version with out effecting the present OS installation?
2. Can i switch between 64 bit and 32 bit kernel versions at boot time?
3. Does the 64bit OS works as 32bit OS after downgrading to 32bit kernel?

Please, respond for my queries ASAP.

Thanking You,

Regards,
Sravan kumar T.

[Paqman]

No, you can't switch from 64-bit to 32-bit without doing a reinstall as it would require replacing every package on your system.

However, you can install 32-bit applications on a 64-bit system and they'll work fine. You'll need to install a package called ia32-libs. Which program is it that you want to run?

[mörgæs]

10.04 is out of support, so you should switch to a new release.
If you have the space on the hard drive you could install a 32 and a 64 bit 13.04 side by side, if you want a platform for experimenting.

[MoebusNet]

+1 on recommending switch to 12.04 when feasible.

To install 32-bit libraries:
Ctl-Alt-T to open Terminal

sudo apt-get install ia32-libs