Vista Tutorial - Program file folders

Maxpet · 01-01-2009

Hey,

I just won an HP TouchSmart PC and as I'm transfering files from my old comp to my new one, I saw two Program File folders:

Program Files
Program Files (x86)

My question is, does it matter which Program File folder i put my stuff in?

-Jen

**Airbot** · 01-01-2009

Quote: Originally Posted by Maxpet

Hey,

I just won an HP TouchSmart PC and as I'm transfering files from my old comp to my new one, I saw two Program File folders:

Program Files
Program Files (x86)

My question is, does it matter which Program File folder i put my stuff in?

-Jen

Hi Jen,

You must have won a 64 bit version of the Vista OS. The program files folder is for 64 bit applications and the program files (x86) is for 32 bit apps that need to be emulated to work in the 64 bit environment. 32 bit is (x86) and 64 bit is (x64).
I suggest you learn more about 64 bit if you don't know anything about it.

Here's a little start. And congratulations on your win.

32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions - Windows Vista Help

**SIW2** · 01-01-2009

Hi Maxpet,

I wouldn't transfer anything into those folders if I were you.They are not just another folder for putting data in , like for example the Documents folder.

That is where the files for the programs should automatically go when you run their program installer - i.e. when you install them.

As Airbot says, 32bit ones will appear under Program Files x86, and the 64 bit programs will appear under Program Files.

Welcome to the Forum and Happy New Year, Jen.

SIW2

**johngalt** · 01-02-2009

Indeed - if you have never used Vista before, it is nothing like XP - you do ***not*** want to be storing settings and documents in those two folders - they are named Program Files for a reason - it is where the programs go.

Have you used Vista before?

01-01-2009	#1 (permalink)
Maxpet Newbie Join Date: Jan 2009 Vista Home Premium 1 posts	Program file folders Hey, I just won an HP TouchSmart PC and as I'm transfering files from my old comp to my new one, I saw two Program File folders: Program Files Program Files (x86) My question is, does it matter which Program File folder i put my stuff in? -Jen
My System Specs

01-01-2009	#2 (permalink)
Airbot You Will Service..Us Join Date: Nov 2008 Vista Ultimate SP2 x64 Windows 7 Ultimate x64 TECHNET 1,636 posts	Re: Program file folders Quote: Originally Posted by Maxpet Hey, I just won an HP TouchSmart PC and as I'm transfering files from my old comp to my new one, I saw two Program File folders: Program Files Program Files (x86) My question is, does it matter which Program File folder i put my stuff in? -Jen Hi Jen, You must have won a 64 bit version of the Vista OS. The program files folder is for 64 bit applications and the program files (x86) is for 32 bit apps that need to be emulated to work in the 64 bit environment. 32 bit is (x86) and 64 bit is (x64). I suggest you learn more about 64 bit if you don't know anything about it. Here's a little start. And congratulations on your win. 32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions - Windows Vista Help
My System Specs

01-01-2009	#3 (permalink)
SIW2 Master Join Date: Jul 2008 VISTA HOME PREMIUM X64/ 7 x64 / 7x86 2,293 posts	Re: Program file folders Hi Maxpet, I wouldn't transfer anything into those folders if I were you.They are not just another folder for putting data in , like for example the Documents folder. That is where the files for the programs should automatically go when you run their program installer - i.e. when you install them. As Airbot says, 32bit ones will appear under Program Files x86, and the 64 bit programs will appear under Program Files. Welcome to the Forum and Happy New Year, Jen. SIW2
My System Specs

01-02-2009	#4 (permalink)
johngalt Antidisestablishmentarian Join Date: May 2008 Vista Ultimate x64 MAK, OpenSolaris 5, Gentoo 2008.1.... 3,848 posts	Re: Program file folders Indeed - if you have never used Vista before, it is nothing like XP - you do *not* want to be storing settings and documents in those two folders - they are named Program Files for a reason - it is where the programs go. Have you used Vista before?
My System Specs

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