Windows 7: When I download programs, it default to the correct "program files" ?

I have been confused if programs automatically download to the optimum "program files" for 32-bit or 64-bit or do I have to select which if the two program files I want it in? It seems everything has been going into the x86 file. I don't want to just move them all over to the 64-bit file if they really belong in the x86 file, but I am sure my new photoshop programs belong in the Program Files file yet they seen to have downloaded into the Program Files (x86) instead. Also, how am I to know which programs are better suited for either folder?



Update: I tried copying the Photoshop file and moving it to the 64-bit folder but it won't let me do so, saying a file is in use somewhere. I do not have any files from this open; I even restarted the computer to completely close anything that MIGHT be open and I get the same message. Is this maybe because it does not belong in the Program Files folder for 64-bit programs? Any other hints on how I can move this program, along with Adobe Premiere Elements (for making videos) that gives me the same message? I have been told these programs would work better running as 64-bit programs so that is why I want to move them.

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums.

Windows 7 64-bit uses WOW64 (a x86 emulator) Running 32-bit Applications (Windows)

This means you'll see two Programs folders: Program Files, which is the container for your 64-bit applications and Programs Files (x86), which holds your 32-bit applications.

Any program you install will be put in the correct location. Your new Photoshop programs will be under Program Files (x86) because they are 32-bit applications, with the exception of the 64-bit version of Photoshop, which will be under Programs Files.

Do not try and move the location of your applications, just let Windows 7 put them where they belong.

Thanks so much, and I am sure glad to know Windows 7 decides automatically to put them where they belong! I thought maybe they were just going to the last destination I picked and that I have been messing up all along. Sure do wonder why they didn't call the files "Program Files (x64) and (x32), though, instead of (x86)! Would have made things a LITTLE less confusing....

Again, thanks for the fast response.

You're very welcome.

Information here on the x86 architecture: x86 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Update: I tried copying the Photoshop file and moving it to the 64-bit folder but it won't let me do so, saying a file is in use somewhere. I do not have any files from this open; I even restarted the computer to completely close anything that MIGHT be open and I get the same message. Is this maybe because it does not belong in the Program Files folder for 64-bit programs? Any other hints on how I can move this program, along with Adobe Premiere Elements (for making videos) that gives me the same message? I have been told these programs would work better running as 64-bit programs so that is why I want to move them."

Photoshop CS4/CS5 comes in both the 32-bit version and the 64-bit version. All other Adobe software that you mentioned are 32-bit versions and you can't move them to the 64-bit programs folder.

The assumption that you change 32-bit software by moving it to the 64-bit Programs folder will change them to the 64-bit version is completely wrong.

As I've said, 32-bit software will be in the Program Files (x86) folder and 64-bit software will be in the Program Files folder.

If you want 64-bit versions of Photoshop you will have to buy them as a standalone product. Adobe Design Premium does however contain both versions of Photoshop, but of course it is very expensive.

Hello
It seems whenever I want to download a file like erunt, it should go to program files, like all the tutorials or videos, but in my pc it wants to go to C:\,users, us etc. as do all of my downloads.
When there are browser options I can choose a folder of my choice but my point is that it seems program files should be the default location and is not in my pc.
Any corrections appreciated.

I'm not following your logic.

Why would you expect the download of a program file to automatically land in a different spot on your hard drive than the download of a picture of a cat?

As you say, that's generally controllable through the browser. If you have chosen C:\users as the default download location, I would expect ALL downloads to land there.

If there is no "browser" opportunity, do all Win 7 downloads go to the same place?
When I look in computer I see C:\,users, us, downloads.
With the exception of 'us' which is our pc name, do all Win 7 have the same download location or do you create a location?

We all need someone to help us learn at some time in our lives.

Unless you specifically change the download location, your downloads should default to C:\User Name\Downloads.

If you want to change it you should click on the download link at the bottom of your screen and click Save As then point the download to a folder of your choice.

I have no idea what browser you use or what you mean by "browser opportunity".

I use Firefox.

In Firefox, you can set a default location for ALL downloads.

I have set my default to D:\downloads.

All downloads land there. Cat pictures and programs.