Solved Clean install Windows 7 32 bit and I have a Program Files x86 folder.

[ManyBeers]

Start over with the latest official installation media provided in Clean Reinstall Windows 7
then follow those steps to get and keep a perfect install.

I've already done that and this is the disk I used

 

[AddRAM]

And you did a clean install with it ? Formatting the install partition before you clicked next ?

 

[Slartybart]

Program Files is the folder for 32-bit programs on Windows 32-bit installs
Program Files (x86) is the folder for 32-bit programs on Windows 64-bit installs

It sounds as though a 64-bit install media was used instead of 32-bit media.

Greg's advice is best - start over and make sure you follow all of the steps, including which bit depth to create.

Thanks for the disc image - guess I was wrong on using the incorrect bit depth install media

Still, follow the Clean Reinstall tutorial and create new install media from a step in the tutorial. That is your best bet

 

[AddRAM]

But it`s a 32 bit disk.

 

[gregrocker]

Start over with the latest official installation media provided in Clean Reinstall Windows 7
then follow those steps to get and keep a perfect install.

I've already done that and this is the disk I used

That is not the latest official installation media and doesn't even have SP1 hence is so outdated I wouldn't use it, especially when the latest official media is provided in Step 1 of Clean Reinstall Windows 7 saving hours of updating.

 

[Slartybart]

But it`s a 32 bit disk.

I know, the screen shot was posted while I was writing the post... I corrected the post and even gave myself one of these

Second one today

 

[Berton]

Right, the 32-bit version of Windows will have C:\Program Files Folder while the 64-bit Windows will have C:\Program Files Folder for 64-bit programs plus C:\Program Files (x86) Folder for 32-bit programs. I've seen where if a Program Files (x86) Folder exists after a 32-bit version of Windows is installed it meant the newer install was not clean. The last two I saw like that required a truly clean reinstall to get it straightened out.

 

[AddRAM]

And that`s what I asked again in post #22.

Even though his thread title states clean install of 32 bit.

We will await his return.

 

[ManyBeers]

And you did a clean install with it ? Formatting the install partition before you clicked next ?

Sorry for the late post but I had errands to run
Yes. The partition was already formatted to ntfs and nothing was on it.

 

[AddRAM]

Already formatted by what ?

Did you format it during the install ?

While you are not doing anything, you should download the 32 bit SP1-U iso file of the version you have an activation key for from here.

Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO from Digital River « My Digital Life

After fully updating mine it still looks the same. I have not installed any programs yet, I will install my usual few and post back any changes.

 

[DavidE]

Something is odd ...
Re-reading this thread in post #18 i see

I always install most of my programs here:c:\Program Files\CoolApps with various folders inside

I have never installed a program into the Program Files folder.
I wonder if installing there might be causing an issue ???
Maybe using that folder confuses some installers ??? programs use that folder in addition to the "installation" folder ...
I use the default install location...

 

[ManyBeers]

Already formatted by what ?

Did you format it during the install ?

No I used G-Parted. Anyways I noticed that every folder in Local Disk (c was created on July 13, 2009
except SVInfo and Recovery which were created on Jan.12, 2015 I'm talking about the default unopened folders i.e. PerfLogs,Documents and Setttings, Program Files, ...x86, ProgramData
Recovery, SVI, Users, amd Windows. Doesn't that mean that x86 is actually on my install disK?
Oh one other thing my Upgrade package came with two disks 32and64 bit.

 

[Wandering one]

As posted by the OP in post #10 "It is 32 bit and was installed to a quick formatted ssd that I had put 64 bit on earlier but changed my mind about using 64 bit. Vista had never been on this drive." I don't think a quick format will hide old system files from a windows install. Art.

 

[AddRAM]

Yes it will, it will be like nothing is on the partition. But he should have done it with the installer.

 

[AddRAM]

Something is odd ...
Re-reading this thread in post #18 i see

I always install most of my programs here:c:\Program Files\CoolApps with various folders inside

I have never installed a program into the Program Files folder.
I wonder if installing there might be causing an issue ???
Maybe using that folder confuses some installers ??? programs use that folder in addition to the "installation" folder ...
I use the default install location...

You may have hit the nail on the head, and he should not have made these folders as the program installers do this themselves. I just installed about 8 programs and the file path was the same on everyone, never Program Files x86. I seriously think you made this folder up yourself and just don`t want to remember doing it. And my C partition is still exactly the same.

 

[ManyBeers]

Something is odd ...
Re-reading this thread in post #18 i see

I always install most of my programs here:c:\Program Files\CoolApps with various folders inside

I have never installed a program into the Program Files folder.
I wonder if installing there might be causing an issue ???
Maybe using that folder confuses some installers ??? programs use that folder in addition to the "installation" folder ...
I use the default install location...

You may have hit the nail on the head, and he should not have made these folders as the program installers do this themselves. I just installed about 8 programs and the file path was the same on everyone, never Program Files x86. I seriously think you made this folder up yourself and just don`t want to remember doing it.

I have also Never installed a program to Program Filesx86 I always install
to c:\Program Files\CoolApps and I have been doing this since I first did my Upgrade install over Vista in Oct. 2009. i do it this way because I don't like this huge long list of Programs Files. My CoolApps folder is Divided into several generic categories i.e.... Utilities, MediaPlayers, GuiHelpers, etc. And My system was rock solid.

 

[ManyBeers]

Already formatted by what ?

Did you format it during the install ?

No I used G-Parted. Anyways I noticed that every folder in Local Disk (c was created on July 13, 2009
except SVInfo and Recovery which were created on Jan.12, 2015 I'm talking about the default unopened folders i.e. PerfLogs,Documents and Setttings, Program Files, ...x86, ProgramData
Recovery, SVI, Users, amd Windows. Doesn't that mean that x86 is actually on my install disK?
Oh one other thing my Upgrade package came with two disks 32and64 bit.

Would someone answer the question I posed above. Please
Anyways what I might do is shut down Windows and Using recovery options on my disk Boot up and
using Command prompt move the Program filesx86 folder to my Desktop and then see how things go
...or not.

 

[AddRAM]

So then why do you ask or care that you have a Program Files x86 folder
What does it matter how long the programs file folder list is, there`s no reason to even go into it.

And once again you say "Upgrade install over Vista" why do you mention this again ?

If you want it right then download the SP1 iso file, burn to dvd and re install windows, and don`t make any folders inside the Program files folder, there is no reason to.

And do not forget to format the install partition using the install disc. When you get to the partitions screen you highlite your install partition, then choose drive options then format.

Yes, your disk is 32 bit, it says so right on it, and your system properties tells you you have 32 bit installed.

 

[ManyBeers]

So then why do you ask or care that you have a Program Files x86 folder
What does it matter how long the programs file folder list is, there`s no reason to even go into it.

And once again you say "Upgrade install over Vista" why do you mention this again ?

If you want it right then download the SP1 iso file, burn to dvd and re install windows, and don`t make any folders inside the Program files folder, there is no reason to.

And do not forget to format the install partition using the install disc. When you get to the partitions screen you highlite your install partition, then choose drive options then format.

Yes, your disk is 32 bit, it says so right on it, and your system properties tells you you have 32 bit installed.

Actually I'm not all that worried about it. Since if I'm not mistaken the fact that is was created
when the disks were stamped( July 13, 2009)means that folder is in fact on my cd it comes with my
installation of Windows .
I already have a SP1 burned DVD. I downloaded the iso file and burned it sometime after I installed SP1
and since I have cloned my ssd to my old Seagate drive as a backup I could take my SP1 dvd and do a repair install to it. I don't think a repair install would touch either of those folders though.

 

[gregrocker]

You can try running SFC /SCANNOW Command which should restore System Files to their intended state.