Switch architecture

[jonathon6017]

I'm still learning about linux so excuse me if this sounds ridiculous.

Is there anyway I could compile a 32 bit kernel on my 64 bit Linux Mint?

I have a printer that only has 32 bit drivers and I only have 4GB of ram so I don't see an issue with memory

[jayd512]

A 64-bit system will typically run 32-bit binaries and other applications without issue.
Are you getting any specific error messages when attempting to use your driver?

[jonathon6017]

A 64-bit system will typically run 32-bit binaries and other applications without issue.
Are you getting any specific error messages when attempting to use your driver?

This is a Driver, not an application but this is the exact error

Error: Wrong architecture 'i386'

and this is the output of uname -a

Linux jonathon-Satellite-L645 3.1.4-batterylinux #1 SMP Mon Dec 5 21:04:46 EST 2011 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux

[jayd512]

You could compile a 32-bit kernel, but problems would arise.
Most of your currently installed software could stop working.
A 64-bit system is going already have device drivers and libraries of the same architecture.
My best advice would be to backup your home folder and re-install a 32-bit version of Mint. If there is a better solution, I haven't come across it.

[Rubberman]

You should probably reinstall with the 32-bit version of Mint. However, if your printer supports the CUPS printer API's, the bit'ness should not matter. What is your printer?