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Program Files and Program Files (x86)

19-12-2010 12:21PM

#1

Tim Robbins

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On my Dell Windows 7 laptop, I have a C:\Program Files folder and a C:\Program Files (x86) folder?

What's the difference?

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Comments

#2 19-12-2010 12:24PM

but43r

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This is because your laptop has 64 bit Operating System.
C:\Program Files is for 64 bit software and C:\Program Files (x86) is for 32 bit software.

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#3 19-12-2010 12:25PM

docmol

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The first one is for 64 bit programs and the second one is for 32 bit programs! You should have 2 internet explorers as well! You are using windows7 64 bit but it can still run older (ie 32 bit) programs.

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#4 19-12-2010 12:25PM

10-10-20

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"Program Files" is for the 64bit apps and "Program Files (x86)" is there for 32bit apps. So, it is a pointer to the fact that you have a 64bit operating system.
More info:
http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7files/thread/7d631676-e688-472a-a1bb-eefccfeca6d7

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