Disk Cleanup - Correct Shortcut for Vista 64 bit

How to Correct the Disk Cleanup Shortcut in Vista 64 bit

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By default in Vista 64 bit (x64), the shortcut in the Start Menu points to the 32-bit (x86) executable for Disk Cleanup. While Disk Cleanup will work fine from this shortcut for most things, there is one function that does not work correctly – the cleaning of System Restore points, Shadow Copies, and Previous Versions. This will show you how to fix this error in the Start menu Disk Cleanup shortcut.

CREDIT TO: Kristan Kenney: Confessions of a Windows Enthusiast





Here's How:
1. Open the Start Menu.​
2. Click on All Programs, Accessories, and then on System Tools.​
3. Right click on Disk Cleanup and click on Properties.​
NOTE: All other Disk Cleanup shortcuts are correct. Just this one has is incorrect.
4. In the Target: area, change it from: (See screenshot below step 5)​
%SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\cleanmgr.exe
TO:
%SystemRoot%\system32\cleanmgr.exe

5. Click on Apply.​
Incorrect_Target.jpg

6. Click on Continue in the Access Denied prompt. (See screenshot below)​
Access_Denied.jpg

7. Click on Continue in the UAC prompt.​
8. You should now see this below for the properties. (See screenshot below step 9)​
9. Click on OK.​
Correct_Target.jpg

That's it,
Shawn



 

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Last edited by a moderator:
I know my question may sound stupid - but it appears that the new shortcut will do the opposite of what is recommended - the fix seems to be directing the Disk Cleanup shortcut to the 32-bit (x86) executable, which appears not to be x64. The original pointed into the folder SysWOW64 - What is SysWOW64?
Thanks for all the valuable tips and info
 
Last edited:

My Computer

Hello Bill, and welcome to Vista Forums.

The 32-bit and 64-bit Vista should run out of the System32 folder instead. The WoW64 folder is to allow 32-bit applications to run in a 64-bit Vista, but you can read more in details about it in the link below.

WoW64 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hope this helps,
Shawn
 

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