Programs Files vs Program files (x86)

Anonymous
2010-03-21T08:36:50+00:00

What is the difference between the "Program Files" folder & the "Program Files (x86)" folder, in C Drive? Various programs seem split almost equally between the 2, after I upgraded from Vista to 7, except that Internet Explorer is in both, meaning that when I "Open with" for a text file I get IE listed twice.

Can I move everything to one or other of these & delete the other one? Is one for 64-bit and one for 32-bit programs or something like that?

Thanks very much!

Milton.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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Anonymous
2010-03-22T01:45:18+00:00

Hi Milton,

Yes, the two ‘Program File’ folders that are listed are for 32 bit and 64 bit version of Windows 7. The folder with (x86) is for 32 bit version.

For more information follow the link given below

32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions

You may also check the link given below for further clarification.

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/w7itprogeneral/thread/7373ff3e-0207-4774-b042-c1324e70f1e5

Hope this information is helpful.

Amrita M

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-12-19T17:08:04+00:00

    These post are ferry old , Google has some good programs ,like Google maps & a view more ,  but they have become like AOL in past . you get it on your hard drive & it takes hours to get it off & you have to take it off in the right order , or you want get it off . They want to put a dent in Microsoft so bad they will try any thing & that is the sad  part ,

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-12-19T16:55:25+00:00

    Flash does have now a 64 bit player , you will find that some will have to run a different player ,it is player for different  OS ,it will say to down load , for another , like Firefox & a cupule  other's ,it easy to see, it will ask to you want run one other than IE , click on OK , I usably save , then open. it works great have done it on a lot computers .

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-08-23T14:35:17+00:00

    Hi Amrita,

    Is it possible to have both folders on a 32Bit OS machine? What are the possible reason and how does that effect the performance?

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-11-02T06:42:07+00:00

    Being someone who just wants to use the computer has little IT knowledge etc I do wonder why Microsoft has to make computers so user unfriendly. Alright for people who understand computers but for those of us who don't and don't really want to, we just want to use them ... sounds like you are confusing even those who are somewhat computer savvy. One day Microsoft will invent a computer that everyone can use without having to find out which program folder holds what, which version of IE to double click on etc etc. Unbelievable.!!  I really cannot believe that Microsoft gives in to Flash, surely flash should adjust to be able to display on windows.  thank goodness I kept my Win XP computer and didnt get rid of it when I got a win 7 laptop. I know which I am using more these days.  Dont bother responding as I am not ticking the "notify me of a reply" button. I am just so fed up with not being able to just use my laptop without tons of questions popping up as in this thread I am now posting on.

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