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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  2. Anonymous
    2018-06-10T20:37:25+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.

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  3. LemP 74,970 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2018-06-10T21:15:09+00:00

    This thread is more than 8 years old and is now locked. 

    The original question was answered on the same day it was answered, and since then most of the posts have been off-topic. 

    In addition, much of the information, discussed in the earlier posts in the tread is now obsolete and no longer relevant or correct.

    If you have a question, please read the following articles and ask your own question in a relevant section of the Community.

    How to begin your own, new thread about your computer & your problem

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