Programs Files vs Program files (x86)

Anonymous

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.

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Anonymous

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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67 additional answers

Anonymous

2016-03-26T15:27:35+00:00

If your Dell runs 32 bit Windows then you will have a C:\Program files folder but not a C:\Program files (x86) folder. That is normal.

You can check which type of Windows you have in Control panel, [View by - Small icons, if necessary], System.
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Anonymous

2016-03-25T11:17:32+00:00

On my dell PC, its not showing up on the C Drive/OS. I need help. All there is relating to program filex86 is program files. Can u tell me where to find it
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Anonymous

2015-12-30T10:55:53+00:00

Dang I spoke to fast. Makes more sense. lets see. A 32bit os cant run 64 bit programs at all.

But a 64bit os can run both 64bit programs and 32bit. we can even listen to 8bit audio on youtube, and it dosent matter if your running 64, or 32bit operating system. lol

This was helpful to read but is very difficult subject to fully comprehend.
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Anonymous

2015-12-30T10:45:56+00:00

32bit operating systems are not compatible with 64bit programs.
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