Windows 7: Win7 64bit installed can i now delete the extra "Program files" dir?

Hi all

Just joined the forum J

I have just upgraded to Windows 7 64 bit and I notice that after installation I now have two program File directorys. One called “Program Files” and the other “Program Files (x86).

Do I need both or can I delete the “Program Files” one which I am guessing is the old 32 bit stuff.

By way of further information: I started out with Windows XP installed. I then did a upgrade install of windows 7 32 bit. I then decided to go 64 bit so I used the custom/fresh install option of the 64 bit upgrade which has left me with this possibly redundant “Program Files” directory.

Any help of suggestions would be great.

Thanks in advance



Kenny

No, its still needed and anyway the system wont let you do it.

To expand on another post:

No. 64 bit programs normally install into the "Program Files" directory. 32 bit ones go into the "Program Files (X86)" one. Most applications are 32 bit.

It's a confusing. X86 refers to the old Intel X86 architecture of the original IBM BC; it's 32 bit. (Not 86 bit.) X64 means 64 bit; I think it may come from the AMD Athlon64 CPUs, which added 64 bit instruction extensions to what were basically X86 processors. Intel once supported 64 bit only on their Itanium CPUs, which couldn't run X86 operating systems. AMD drove the change, even though Intel has always dominated the market.

No you can't or shouldn't delete either of those folders.

The x86 folder is for older 32bit programs you may install and the Program Files (NO x86) is for newer 64bit programs you install. MS has may it so these to types of programs do not install to the same folder for compatibility reasons.