Why 64 bit OS can't run a 16 bit application?

Posted by Bob on Super User See other posts from Super User or by Bob
Published on 2010-05-13T14:38:35Z Indexed on 2010/05/14 0:34 UTC
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64bit

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16bit

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operating-system

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windows-7

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Windows

Why is it that a 32 bit OS that is installed on a 64 bit CPU can run old DOS 16 bit applications, but if you install a 64 bit OS it cant run those applications directly and need some sort of emulation (that doesn't always work perfectly)?
To be more specific I have an Intel Core 2 Due (64bit) procesor, and I had Windows Xp and Windows 7 (both 32bit) installed and it could run old dos applications, but now that I have installed Windows 7 64 bit it can't run those same application anymore?

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