.exe is not a valid Win32 + The Sims 3

I know this topic has been discussed but I wasn't able to find a solution for my specific situation.

Running Mac Version 10.7.4, PD 7, Windows 7 64-bit

I have The Sims 3 for Windows on a CD and tried to use PD to install it. It says ".exe is not a valid Win32 application" but my understanding is that Win32 apps can run on 64. I've tried isolating and unbridging but then the TS3 icon doesn't show up on the "My Computer" screen. However, I installed another program (from online) with no problem.

Any ideas? I've invested so much time in trying to get this to work that I'm really hoping I find a solution! Thanks

 

The message says the .exe is not a valid Win32 app and indeed Windows 7 64 bit can run both 32 and 64 bit apps. What the error message implies is that it isn't either, which leaves 16 bit as the culprit, that message usually appears when you try to run an old 16 bit app on Windows 64 bit (16 bit is supported under 32 bit Windows), or when the .exe is corrupted.

Edit: google is your friend, http://forum.ea.com/eaforum/posts/list/313192.page

 

Thanks for your help, Specimen. Perhaps the game does run on 16-bit but I was able to solve the problem by going selecting Devices > CD/DVD1 > Default CD/DVD. I am not sure why it wasn't selected in the first place nor can see how that solved the 16/32/64 bit problem, but hey, if it works

 

Glad it's solved! But it unlikely runs in 16 bit mode or it wouldn't work at all in Windows 64bit, it's some other problem.