32-bit or 64-bit…? How to tell which bit version is installed for ArcSDE.

[Anonymous User]

With the increased use of 64-bit operating systems it is often asked in troubleshooting situations which bit level of ArcSDE you are using. ArcSDE is currently available in 32- and 64-bit versions for several platforms, so this question is becoming more and more common to ensure that we have your configuration documented correctly. How do I tell this you might ask?

Below are a few helpful ways to tell if you currently have a 32-bit or 64-bit ArcSDE installation:

Windows

Run the Esri service pack finder for that release:
One way to tell is by looking at the patchfinder application. If 64-bit is installed it will say, for example, "ArcSDE for Microsoft SQL Server 64 bit 10." If 32-bit is installed it will just say, "ArcSDE for Microsoft SQL Server 10."

Review directory structure in Windows Explorer:
Assuming that ArcSDE was installed using the default installation path, the SDEHOME will be installed within the Program Files (x86) directory if it is a 32-bit application. If a 64-bit version of ArcSDE is installed, you will find it in the regular Program Files directory.

Control Panel – Add or Remove Programs:
Check the Add/Remove Programs list. If 64-bit is installed, it will say, "ArcGIS ArcSDE for SQL Server for Windows 64." If the 32-bit is installed, it will say, "ArcGIS ArcSDE for Microsoft SQL Server."

UNIX

On Unix systems some of the executables/processes that are installed as part of the $SDEHOME/bin product can be described to determine the bit level.

For example: Within the $SDEHOME/bin folder the file command can be used to list details for the gsrvr and see that ArcSDE is installed as a 32-bit application:

[sde92@essrhes4esri92 bin]$ file gsrvr
gsrvr: ELF 32-bit LSB executable, Intel 80386, version 1 (SYSV), for GNU/Linux 2.2.5,
dynamically linked (uses shared libs), stripped

Written by Mike J. and Melissa J. – Geodata support team

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