Solved Program Files vs. Program Files (x86)

[TBolt]

Hi. I did a search for "x86" on these forums and did not find anything. So, I'd like to ask a few quick question to Brink or anyone else that might know.

This is my first computer with a 64-bit OS (Vista Home Premium). I noticed that there are two separate "Program Files" directories off of root C:

• a "Program Files" directory
• a "Program Files (x86)" directory

Is there a difference between the two directories that we should know about?

Also, I've been installing programs to "Program Files (x86)." The programs I've been installing are not necessary 64-bit programs. Should I be installing programs to the "Program Files" directory, instead?

Thank you!!!

 

[locoeng]

x86 is 32 bit windows and the x86 directory contains 32 bit programs that you are loading and running your 64 bit OS. When you install a program it should install itself in the correct directory.

 

[Dwarf]

Hi TBolt,

As you have noticed, the 64-bit version of Vista has 2 'Program Files' directories, 1 for 32-bit programs and 1 for 64-bit programs. These directories are differentiated from each other as following: 'Program Files' for 64-bit programs and 'Program Files (x86)' for 32-bit programs. The actual installation routine of the program/application in question should automatically place the program code/data into a sub-folder in the appropriate directory.

 

[TBolt]

Okay, thank you guys! Glad to hear that I didn't screw anything up when I installed my programs, then.

I guess I would have guessed it myself if the 64-bit directory had been called "Program Files x64," but no worries.

Thank you again!