question

[dmbgg]

hey all, i am excited about joinging this forum.

but i have a question for first post, go figure

i installed ultimate 64 bit on my dell 1720. it originally came with like home premium 32 bit.

why does it have a program files and program files (x86) folder?

i just didn't know why it had both and what this means or doesn't mean.

thanks.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Why does it have a program files and program files (x86) folder?

Hello dmbgg, welcome to Vista forums!

The "Program Files" folder is where 64-bit programs are stored,
and the "Program Files (x86)" folder is where 32-bit programs are stored.







Later Ted

 

[dmbgg]

ah ok.

thanks.

so can someone link me to something or explain the exact difference of a 32 bit program running in 32 bit and 64 bit?

thanks.

 

[Crooze]

Here's a link to a good article explaining the difference between 32bit and 64bit OS's
http://www.vistax64.com/vista-news/99613-64-bit-more-than-just-ram.html

 

[Brink]

Hi dmbgg, and welcome to Vista Forums.

In addition to the link Crooze posted above, there is no difference with a 32 bit program running in either the 32 bit Vista or 64 bit Vista other than being installed in the C:\Program Files (x86) folder. In the 64 bit Vista, you get the bonus of being able to run 64 bit program also. You just have to have 64 bit versions of your drivers instead of 32 bit ones in the 64 bit Vista.

Hope this helps,
Shawn