c:\ Program Files

[hikermann]

New to Windows 7 - why are there two Program Files in the C:\ drive (Program files; Program Files (x86))? I'm only used to there being one. When a new program is loaded in, to which of these does it go by default? If there are files in the x86 one can (should) they be moved to the other Program Files (or vice versa)?

Many thanks.

 

[Nelviticus]

You get this with 64-bit versions of Windows. Programs that are compiled for 64-bit go in Program Files while 32-bit ones go in Program Files (x86). This is all handled by Windows transparently, you don't need to worry about it and shouldn't change anything.

Nelviticus

 

[hikermann]

Thanks.

 

[dilettante]

Things have been this way since Windows 2000 came out in 64-bit SKUs.

 

[goombawaho]

Windows 2000 came out in 64-bit SKUs.

Something I never have seen to this day.

"Living tomorrow is everyone's sorrow.
Modern man's daydreams have turned into nightmares.