Can I install an earlier version of MATLAB on a system with a current version of MATLAB?

I am using Windows 7 on 64-bit. I am currently working with 64-bit MATLAB R2010b and need to install 32-bit MATLAB R2008a to run a special program.

My questions:

1. When downloading the MATLAB R2008a, should I choose 32-bit operating system to make sure the MATLAB version is 32-bit?
2. Can I keep the current 64-bit MATLAB 2010b at the same time?

Answer 1

[Paulo Silva]

You can install several versions in the same OS.

Answer 2

[Andreas Goser]

1. True. When downloading, you choose the 32 or 64 bit version of MATLAB

2. Yes. You can have multiple versions installed on your machine.

[Erhong]

Thanks so much!!

Answer 3

[Egon Geerardyn]

1) Saying your OS is 32 bit will most likely work. Most 32 bit software should work on a 64 bit OS (unless you are fiddling with drivers or something very low-level (which might cause the 32 bit dependency)).

2) That should be the case, I've seen computers with different versions of MATLAB installed. I believe the older was installed first, but I'm not sure whether the MATLAB installer would complain about a newer version present. Anyhow, if that occurs you could always remove your MATLAB, install the old one and then reinstall the new one.

Answer 4

[the cyclist]

Regarding your second question, I know the answer is yes. I have kept two versions of MATLAB on my machine simultaneously. During the installation process, just make sure that they install into different directories. (I think that will be the default behavior, because it uses the release name as part of the directory names.) Also, if you use a desktop icon to launch MATLAB, be cognizant of which version you are starting up, because I think that by default, the new desktop icon will overwrite the old one. (Not 100% sure on that.)

Regarding your first question, it sounds to me that you need to download the 32-bit version, but I cannot say that with complete certainty.