hi everyone. I did this downgrade. It was done as a clean install. I thought all the programs would be deleted along with the program files folder.Unfortunately that wasnt the case. So I wanted to know how to delete the program files folder x86. I tried taking ownership of the folder in command prompt but i get an error. I typed
takeown /f "C:\Program Files (x86)" /r /d n
icacls "C:\Programs Files (x86)" /grant administrators:F /t
And if i do delete this will there be any negative impact to the pc. The downgrade creates a default program files folder, one you wold normally see on an x86 OS as well as the previous x86 folder that was running on the x64 OS. The thing is no program in this program files (x86) folder is being used since it was from the previous install.
I hope I havent confused anyone.
thanks for the help
The 64-bit Vista has two Program Files folders by default. C:\Programs Files for any installed 64-bit programs, and C:\Program Files (x86) for any installed 32-bit programs. This is not from your 32-bit installation since it is not possible. Do not try delete it. Doing so will cause problems with your Vista 64-bit installation.
Since you have tried to, double check to make sure that the owner of the C:\Program Files (x86) is still set as the default TrustedInstaller.
the admin's got it backwards i think he thought you were upgrading not downgrading. it should be fine to delete the individual folders inside if you can't delete the folder itself. it's not necessary but it will free-up some space.
You are correct Aerofanadam, I was thinking from 32-bit to 64-bit.
Vimvus, if you did not format the hard drive for the one that you installed the 32-bit on, then you will need to do so to install the 64-bit version properly.
