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Program Files (x86)?
Stupid question, does the Program Files (x86) folder contain 32-bit or
64-bit programs? FWIW, this is my first day with Win7 - I've tried to find the answer in the helps but no luck yet! - MrBill |
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Program Files (x86)?
On 24/11/2009 in message
MrBill wrote: Stupid question, does the Program Files (x86) folder contain 32-bit or 64-bit programs? FWIW, this is my first day with Win7 - I've tried to find the answer in the helps but no luck yet! - MrBill 32 bit programs. 64 bit programs are in Program Files. -- Jeff Gaines Dorset UK That's an amazing invention but who would ever want to use one of them? (President Hayes speaking to Alexander Graham Bell on the invention of the telephone) |
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Program Files (x86)?
"MrBill" wrote in message
... Stupid question, does the Program Files (x86) folder contain 32-bit or 64-bit programs? FWIW, this is my first day with Win7 - I've tried to find the answer in the helps but no luck yet! This is one of those things that can, understandably, be confusing for average computer users. x86 = 32 bit. Your 64-bit programs are located in the other "Program Files" folder. -Michael |
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Program Files (x86)?
Hi, MrBill.
Not stupid at all! I wish I had asked when I first saw PF86 (my own abbreviation) about 5 years ago when I first got Windows XP x64. Since this PF86 folder was new in x64, I assumed that it was for 64-bit apps. By the time I learned the truth, I had things hopelessly tangled between the two PF folders. The fact that I was dual-booting Win2K and WinXP 32-bit made the situation even worse. For example, from Win2K, I installed Office in E:\Program Files\Office. Then I installed Office into E:\Program Files\Office, again, from 32-bit WinXP. The Office Setup program made its entries into each separate Registry, but shared the executables and settings between the two Windows installations. This worked fine for several years. Then came WinXP x64. Again, from x64, I installed Office into E:\Program Files\Office; it was several months before I learned that it should have been in the new E:\Program Files (x86)\Office. That would have been the end of file-sharing because all Win2K and WinXP x64 disagreed as to which folder was E:\Program Files. :( Since there was no 64-bit Office then, I guess there was "no harm no foul", but my confusion was entirely understandable, unnecessary and avoidable. Why didn't Microsoft simply keep the old PF for 32-bit apps and create a new PF64 for 64-bit apps? In case you are wondering, the "x86" comes from Intel's 8086, 80286, 80486, etc., series of CPU chips, all 32-bit. Only now are we beginning to beta-test the first 64-bit version of Office, named Microsoft Office 2010. Maybe there will be a flood of 64-bit apps soon and someday the PF86 folder can be retired. RC -- R. C. White, CPA San Marcos, TX Microsoft Windows MVP Windows Live Mail 2009 (14.0.8089.0726) in Win7 Ultimate x64 "MrBill" wrote in message ... Stupid question, does the Program Files (x86) folder contain 32-bit or 64-bit programs? FWIW, this is my first day with Win7 - I've tried to find the answer in the helps but no luck yet! - MrBill |
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Program Files (x86)?
"MICHAEL" wrote in message ... "MrBill" wrote in message ... Stupid question, does the Program Files (x86) folder contain 32-bit or 64-bit programs? FWIW, this is my first day with Win7 - I've tried to find the answer in the helps but no luck yet! This is one of those things that can, understandably, be confusing for average computer users. x86 = 32 bit. Your 64-bit programs are located in the other "Program Files" folder. Of course, logic dictates that 'Program Files' should remain for 32-bit apps, and have a 'Program Files (x64)' for 64-bit apps, to avoid such confusion. MS naturally don't think like that :-) |
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