Solved Wow6432Node

leelord · May 1, 2009

Wow6432Node
I've noticed in running my registry cleaner that there are many megabytes of multiple program entries under Wow6432Node. Is it possible to disable this in the registry through i.e. using autorun from sysinternals:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run] ?

I remember reading somewhere this was important for the operation of Vista but in another post from Woody Leonhard in his column, "Windows Secrets", as stated below it can be disabled as it's unneeded:

"Autoruns works well with Windows 7, rooting out autostart programs in some mighty obscure Windows 7 places, such as the following Registry key:"

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node

Is this safe to disable? What to do? Thanks!

H2SO4 · May 1, 2009

If you like troubleshooting bizzare problems, there's nothing quite like a "registry cleaner" for creating 'em

It's the first time I've heard of Woody Leonhard, but I'd advise you to treat with skepticism any info from a supposed techie who describes HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node as "mighty obscure" - that's the 32-bit portion of the registry on a 64-bit box.

Brink · May 1, 2009

Hello Lee, and welcome to Vista Forums.

You might take a look at this to see if it may help any with this.

Registry Cleaner program slow

Hope this helps,
Shawn

leelord · May 1, 2009

Thanks for the response. Woody Leonhard is one of the authors of the "Dummy" books and also currently partnered with Fred Langa, a long time contributer of "Windows" magazine from year ago and who also contributes to other computer publications.

I agree about registry cleaners. They all report differenty so I used two of them and attempt to weed things out that I know should not be deleted. I also agree that wow6432Node isn't obsucre but honestly I didn't know it's use, now I do thank you. I indeed have a 64 bit box. Thanks again. Lee

H2SO4 said:
If you like troubleshooting bizzare problems, there's nothing quite like a "registry cleaner" for creating 'em

It's the first time I've heard of Woody Leonhard, but I'd advise you to treat with skepticism any info from a supposed techie who describes HKLM\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node as "mighty obscure" - that's the 32-bit portion of the registry on a 64-bit box.

leelord · May 1, 2009

Thanks, I checked this out and indeed had that 'second' entry and deleted without any problems. Lee

Brink said:
Hello Lee, and welcome to Vista Forums.

You might take a look at this to see if it may help any with this.

Registry Cleaner program slow

Hope this helps,
Shawn

Brink · May 1, 2009

I'm happy to hear that Lee. Was that able to sort out what you wanted to do?

leelord · May 1, 2009

Yes thank you so much! Lee

Brink said:
I'm happy to hear that Lee. Was that able to sort out what you wanted to do?

Brink · May 1, 2009

Ok. Great news then.

Solved Wow6432Node

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