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

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)

"MrBill" <> wrote in message
news:...
> 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

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
news:...
> 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

"MICHAEL" <> wrote in message
news:hehs72$shq$...
> "MrBill" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>> 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 :-)