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Program Files or Program Files (x86)?

Anonymous
2010-05-03T23:32:02+00:00

Hi Friends,

I'm trying to figure out whether to install programs in Program Files or Program Files (x86).  I do understand (hopefully correctly) that PF(x86) is meant for programs which will not run either on Windows7 or on 64 bit; that PF(x86) was set up to allow those programs to run on this machine.  Ok.  I have seen programs where there are 32 bit and 64 bit versions.  But by far most of the programs I intend to download don't offer different versions.  Most of them do say whether they will run on Windows 7, but not 32 vs 64 bit.

I was thinking that unless the download website said otherwise, most programs should be installed in Program Files.  However, the 1st few I set out to install, in the installation wizard, when I came to the page where you type or browse to the place where you want to install it, already it shows the file that it suggests or assumes that I should install to.  And contrary to my expectations, most of them "suggest" installing in PF(x86).

So is it a correct assumption that when the wizard "suggests" installing in PF(x86), that it in fact can't run on either Windows 7 or 64 bit?  If so, then that's my answer, just follow that "suggestion" or "prompt".  But sometimes the obvious thing isn't the right thing to do, so I wanted to consult tech support.....somewhere (Dell is apparently tired of all my questions).

So for clarity, my question:  1 - Does the fact the install wizard prompts installation in PF(x86) mean in fact that the program doesn't run on Windows 7 or 64-bit and should properly be installed in PF(x86)?

Thank you very much for your patience and attention to my problem here.  I really appreciate it :-D

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-05-05T00:17:53+00:00

    On Mon, 3 May 2010 23:32:02 +0000, BbrynnN wrote:

    > So the other reason I've come to this forum, is to

    learn how to decide whether I should install in PF or PF(x86). Can

    you tell me how I should determine where to install them?

    Two points:

    1. You are running 64-bit Windows,and that's why you have the two

    folders. Program Files is for 64-bit programs and Program Files (x86)

    is for 32-bit programs.

    1. But you don't have to decide. When you install a program, the

    installation decides for you. Let it do what it wants.

    > I was thinking that unless the download website said

    otherwise, most programs should be installed in Program Files.

    No, Since most programs (by far) are 32-bit, they should be installed

    in Program Files (x86).

    --

    Ken Blake

    Please Reply to the Newsgroup

    Ken Blake

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-05-07T17:57:08+00:00

    One of the better uses for having two seperate folders is that you can have both 32 and 64 bit versions of the same application installed at the same time.

    Personally I don't know of any other really good answer as to "why" there is a 32 bit and 64 bit program files folder but that's the way it is, and I would highly recommend leaving it that way as there are likely other "hidden" reasons why it is the way it is.

    I would also suggest taking more advantage of the Start / Search functionality instead of micromanaging the system folders like Program Files.

    If you find that my answer was what you were looking for, please remember to click the "mark as answer" box below!

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  1. @CmdrKeene 90,616 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2010-10-29T18:56:18+00:00

    The program will work and run correctly no matter where the files are kept.  The only reason there are two folders is for organiational purposes.  32-bit programs will run just fine on a 64-bit installation of Windows 7, but their files will be stored in the x86 folder so that 64-bit versions of the same files aren't accidentally copied on top of them.

    You're asking for a lot of trouble if you try to change the installation path.

    If this was helpful, please vote by clicking the green triangle. And if it solves the issue for you, click the Propose as Answer link above. Thanks!

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-05-04T22:50:16+00:00

    Yes, that is my understanding, which is what I stated in my message.  I prefer not to let programs install to the directories that are suggested or prompted by the install wizard, necessarily.  The reason I like to  create my own folders and use my own system, is that too many times I've allowed installation where the wizard suggests or prompts, and then can't find it.  That's why I don't necessarily trust the install wizard suggestion or prompt.  That's why I'm not sure if the wizard is suggesting or prompting installation in the Program Files (x86), that it is the proper place to install or not.

    So again, my question:  How do I know whether to install in PF or PF(x86), if the download site does not indicate whether it's 32 or 64 bit?  If the install wizard suggests or prompts installation in PF(x86), is that an accurate indication that the program does not run on 64 bit? (I wonder why MS would create an OS that can't run the same programs as it's predecessors?  But that's a questions for another forum on another day.)

    I apologize that the original message is so long, but I've learned that it's best to include as many details as possible when asking for help in a forum such as this.  That way, those who answer it have the info they need to compose a reply.

    Thanks again for your help, I really appreciate it :-)

    Brynn

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  3. Anonymous
    2010-05-04T01:58:44+00:00

    In Windows 7 x64, 32 bit programs will be installed in Program files x86, and native 64 bit programs will be installed in Program files.

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