Macbook Pro (Mid 09') won't startup in 32 bit mode

Question

Level 1

5 points

Macbook Pro (Mid 09') won't startup in 32 bit mode

My Macbook pro refuses to start up in 32 bit mode. At least as I believe so. When I go to "Apple > About This Mac > More Info > System Report > Software" It says "64-bit Kernel and Extensions: No" which leads me to believe (through previous research) that I am currently NOT in 64 bit mode and thus 32 bit. However in activity moniter it says everytihng is running in 64 bit mode, which to me, is quite confusing. I have tried holding down key's "3" and "2" during start up and I have tried the terminal command line for it ("sudo systemsetup -setkernelbootarchitecture i386"). Both to no avail.

To me it seems that my computer has been running slow for awhile and I am convinced that

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Posted on May 29, 2012 8:44 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

May 29, 2012 8:50 PM in response to Erythros

I'm afraid you miss the distinction between the 32-bit and 64-bit kernel and 32-bit and 64-bit software. Some old Macs cannot boot the 64-bit kernel, but they will run 64-bit software.

32-bit vs 64-bit Snow Leopard

How to tell if your Intel-based Mac has a 32-bit or 64-bit processor

Mac OS X- 64-bit kernel frequently asked questions

OS X v10.6- Macs that use the 64-bit kernel

OS X- Starting up with the 32-bit or 64-bit kernel

If your computer can boot the 64-bit kernel but will not start up with it by default, then you can make the switch using software such as 32- or 64-bit Kernel Startup Mode Selector

Reply

Answer 2

Erythros Author

Level 1

5 points

May 29, 2012 8:51 PM in response to Kappy

Would it then be a good idea for me to aquire in some way 32 bit software?

Reply

Answer 3

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,541 points

May 29, 2012 8:52 PM in response to Erythros

Please post the output of the following shell command:

uname -v

Reply

Answer 4

Erythros Author

Level 1

5 points

May 29, 2012 8:53 PM in response to Linc Davis

Darwin Kernel Version 11.4.0: Mon Apr 9 19:33:05 PDT 2012; root:xnu-1699.26.8~1/RELEASE_I386

Reply

Answer 5

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,541 points

May 29, 2012 8:59 PM in response to Erythros

You're running the 32-bit kernel, which is what you seem to want, although it's not clear why.

Reply

Answer 6

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

May 29, 2012 9:03 PM in response to Erythros

Why. Your computer runs 32-bit or 64-bit software. It just doesn't boot into the 64-bit kernel by default. Did you read the links I posted for you?

Right now your are booting into the 32-bit kernel.

Reply

Answer 7

Erythros Author

Level 1

5 points

May 29, 2012 9:10 PM in response to Kappy

Yes. I was pretty sure I was running 32 bit kernel. I have solver that uncertainty now and I know for sure I am running the 32 bit kernel. HOWEVER, it seems that all of my core processes are running in 64 bit mode.

http://i49.tinypic.com/2nq484k.png

Reply

Answer 8

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

May 29, 2012 9:14 PM in response to Erythros

And, that's perfectly normal since OS X is a 64-bit OS. Note that this has nothing to do with the version of the kernel you are using.

Reply

Answer 9

Erythros Author

Level 1

5 points

May 29, 2012 9:16 PM in response to Kappy

So 64 bit software will not tax my hardware any more than 32 bit software?

Reply

Answer 10

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

May 29, 2012 9:18 PM in response to Erythros

Correct.

Reply

Answer 11

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,541 points

May 29, 2012 9:31 PM in response to Erythros

The only reason to run the 32-bit kernel is for compatibility with old 32-bit kernel extensions from third-party developers. If you have any of those, you should be looking to get rid of them. If you don't have them, forget it.

Reply