Why is Windows 7 64-bit not 64-bit?

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  1. Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #11

    So you would rather have it be x64 only, and then have masses of people complaining that their older software doesn't work, or thier kids favorite game or app doesn't work? It's done so for compatibility. Blame the software developers, not Microsoft for this.

    The Program Files (x86) directory is necessary and needs to stay. It isn't harming anything, and it's just wasted effort to worry about it. That folder is present from the very get-go with the OS. It's been that way since Vista x64 was released 5 or so years ago. Spend your efforts enjoying your computer for it's intended purposes.
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  2. Posts : 20
    7 Ultimate 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       #12

    "Also sometimes when you install a 64 bit version of something it automatically installs a 32 bit version as well, though this doesn't happen all the often."

    In case that happens, what will happen if I delete the x86 Program Files folder? (Don't tell me I can't do it as there is always a way.)
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  3. Posts : 20
    7 Ultimate 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       #13

    Deacon Frost, at least there should be a choice for me, shouldn't it? My kids have their own computers.
    Would you like to have a Ferrarri with a Volkswagen engine?
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  4. Posts : 19
    7 ultimate 64
       #14

    No dont try to delete the folder its part of Microsoft's operating system and is essential
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  5. Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #15

    What choice do you need? It's there for compatibility sake. What is it harming? If you really want to be OCD about it, read up on why it is there.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 20
    7 Ultimate 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       #16

    "No dont try to delete the folder its part of Microsoft's operating system and is essential."

    Why is a 32-bit program folder "essential" for a 64-bit operating system?
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  7. Posts : 5,440
    Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
       #17

    Spock3 said:

    In case that happens, what will happen if I delete the x86 Program Files folder?
    There's one sure way of finding out!
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  8. Posts : 20
    7 Ultimate 64-bit
    Thread Starter
       #18

    I know.
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  9. Posts : 5,795
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1
       #19

    I just don't get the fear or worry in it. If you are asking what it is for and why it's there, then you shouldn't be so argumentative about it.

    When a piece of software is called "64 bit" it refers to one of two things. It's either natively 64 bit, or it's 64 bit compatible, yet the executables may still be 32 bit programs. I have plenty of software that falls into both categories, and I only run Windows x64. In fact, Windows 7 x64 contains both 64 bit and 32 bit files and executables...so again, it makes no sense to be ranting and raving over one folder.

    It's a necessary part of the OS, and should be left in place. There is absolutely no reason to consider or feel the need to remove it.
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  10. Posts : 19
    7 ultimate 64
       #20

    2 reasons,

    1- its part of the windows 64 bit operating system which you should not tamper with.
    2 - Its a failsafe for filing anything 32 bit that gets installed.

    I like said before its not always in your control when something 32 bit gets installed on a 64 bit system. At any time there might be something essential to your system that needs to be installed and if that is a 32 bit program it gets put there so it works correctly.

    Interoperability with existing technologies
    The differences between the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Internet Explorer can affect toolbar add-ins and Microsoft ActiveX controls. For example, 32-bit toolbar add-ins does not work in the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer. These add-ins include the MSN toolbar, the AOL toolbar, the eBay toolbar, and the Google toolbar. You can install 32-bit toolbars in the 32-bit version of Internet Explorer. However, the 32-bit toolbars will not appear in the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer.

    For example, when you start the Setup program for the 32-bit Google toolbar in the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer, the Google Setup program closes the 64-bit Internet Explorer window. The Google Setup program opens a new 32-bit Internet Explorer window when setup is completed. The Google toolbar appears in the 32-bit version of Internet Explorer, and the toolbar works correctly. The 32-bit Google toolbar is not installed in the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer.

    By design, the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer cannot host 32-bit ActiveX controls. Additionally, the 32-bit version of Internet Explorer cannot host 64-bit ActiveX controls.
      My Computer


 
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