[SOLVED] "cannot execute binary file", 64-bit application, 32-bit processor

rm_-rf_windows · 04-05-2012, 08:29 AM

Hi all,

I'm trying to run an application in my netbook, I don't know if it's going to be possible.

Here's what I get when I try to run the application according to the instructions:

Code:

~/bin/appfolder$ /home/user/bin/application/APPLI/executable applicationdata textfile.txt
bash: /home/user/bin/application/APPLI/executable: cannot execute binary file
~/bin/appfolder$

This is how my $PATH variable is set:

Code:

$ echo $PATH
/home/user/bin:/usr/local/sbin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/sbin:/usr/bin:/sbin:/bin:/usr/games:/usr/lib/oracle/xe/app/oracle/product/10.2.0/server/bin:/home/user/bin/appfolder
$

Here's what I get when I run file on the executable:

Code:

ELF 64-bit LSB executable, x86-64, version 1 (GNU/Linux), statically linked, for GNU/Linux 2.6.16, stripped

Here is some CPU info:

Code:

Linux user-laptop 2.6.32-40-generic #87-Ubuntu SMP Mon Mar 5 20:26:31 UTC 2012 i686 GNU/Linux

processor    : 0
vendor_id    : GenuineIntel
cpu family    : 6
model        : 28
model name    : Intel(R) Atom(TM) CPU N450   @ 1.66GHz
stepping    : 10
cpu MHz        : 1000.000
cache size    : 512 KB
bogomips    : 3333.19
clflush size    : 64
cache_alignment    : 64
address sizes    : 32 bits physical, 48 bits virtual
power management: ...

User rights on executable is set to 777.

Is it a 64-bit problem? Impossible to solve? Any possible wordaround? Compiling from source? Or is it something else? I'm not sure I'll be able to get my hands on a 32-bit version nor about getting the sources.

Thanks in advance,

rm

MensaWater · 04-05-2012, 08:37 AM

Yes the issue is that you cannot run a 64 bit binary on a 32 bit CPU.

You'll have to try to locate the package in 32 bit format OR as you surmised find the source and recompile.

If you tell folks what the application is they might be able to tell you where to find the 32 bit version.

druuna · 04-05-2012, 08:37 AM

Hi,

Running 64 bits applications on a 32 bit platform is not going to work. i686 is a 32 bit platform (only x86_64 will do).

First thing to look for is a 32 bits version.
Second thing is to get the source and compile it yourself (might/might not be possible).
Insane thing to do: Upgrade to a 64 bit platform

Hope this helps.

rm_-rf_windows · 04-05-2012, 09:43 AM

MensaWater, druuna,

Many thanks for your swift replies.

Yeah, that's what I'd thought.

As for the app, it's a research app and I know how to contact the person who wrote it. It's not something you'd come by on the Net, hence my question.

I'm marking this thread solved given that, even though a solution to getting my app working hasn't been found, my question has been answered, so the problem of this thread is nevertheless solved.

Moral of the story: You cannot install 64-bit software on a 32-bit machine.

Many thanks,

rm