WoW6432Node....missing?

Question

I might have unintentionally deleted WoW6432Node because I cannot find it anymore in C: Drive under Application (where it was) but I found it in Registry.

Does this mean I still have it?

Answer 1

WoW6432Node, according to these links is just a registry key you have if you're running 64-bit Windows: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms724072(VS85).aspx, http://windowsitpro.com/article/articleid/25995/whats-the-wow6432node-under-the-hkey_local_machinesoftware-registry-subkey.html, and not a program at all.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

I think I have some vague understanding of what you posted but I know I have no practical perception of it.

Under Hkey_Local_Machine/Software, WOW6432Node heads a long list of 50 cascading programs/files. Does its presence as a registry key mean my 64 bits OS is capable of computing (old) items designed for 32 bits applications?

And then there is a blog online by someone wondering if it is a virus in his registry since he has a 32 bits OS. Because like he,  I understand  it is only for processing 32 bits applications in 64 bits OS...NOT vice versa (i.e., 64 bits application in 32 bits OS).

BTW, why can't I post an attachment in this forum? Is it  me or the forum's format?

The OS uses this key to present a separate view of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE for 32-bit applications that run on a 64-bit version of Windows. When a 32-bit application queries a value under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE<company><product> subkey, the application reads from the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node<company><product> subkey. (from *http://windowsitpro.com/article/articleid/25995/whats-the-wow6432node-under-the-hkey\_local\_machinesoftware-registry-subkey.html*)

     This means that the WoW6432Node mimics the 32-bit version of the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE registry key to run 32-bit programs, and that when a 32-bit program looks for information under the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE it is redirected to WoW6432Node.

The list of programs under the Hkey_Local_Machine\Software\WOW6432Node is probably the 32-bit programs that query a value under the WOW6432Node. And yes, this means that your OS is capable of running most 32-bit programs.

This registry key should not be in a 32-bit OS but its presence does not always indicate a virus, although it may be one.

You cannot post an attachment in this forum. You'll have to upload to to a site like skydrive.live.com, google docs, flickr, or picasa; make a link to it; and let everyone access it.

I hope this answers your questions.

Answer 3

Thanks, geek.

Now I can rest  in peace knowing I actually did not mess up my registry.

Answer 4

Hi teen g,

I think I have some vague understanding of what you posted but I know I have no practical perception of it.

Under Hkey_Local_Machine/Software, WOW6432Node heads a long list of 50 cascading programs/files. Does its presence as a registry key mean my 64 bits OS is capable of computing (old) items designed for 32 bits applications?

And then there is a blog online by someone wondering if it is a virus in his registry since he has a 32 bits OS. Because like he,  I understand  it is only for processing 32 bits applications in 64 bits OS...NOT vice versa (i.e., 64 bits application in 32 bits OS).

BTW, why can't I post an attachment in this forum? Is it  me or the forum's format?