I changed my default installation directory! Help! Please :)

I recently bought a new Asus K53e which had Win 7 Home Premium installed and it was in 64bit. I wanted a ultimate version so i installed that. It was working perfectly but then i went to drive c and saw program files x86 and i didnt i was confused because i didnt want it. I havent touched that folder but then i started researching on how to make all my softwares get installed into the 64bit (Program Files) so sevenforums and other sites told me to go to regedit and change the programfiledir to the one you want so i just removed the (x86) and saved it. I also change ProgramW6432Dir, ProgramFilesDir (x86), and ProgramFilesDir to just C:\Program Files (Value Data). So then i installed adobe cs6 master collection and some programs failed to start. I got the message: C:\Program Files (x86)\adobe\adobe dreamweaver cs6\dreamweaver.exe The specified path does not exist. Check the path, and then try again. | So now this has happened to adobe cs6 master collects ( some of them like dreamweaver ) and some other softwares. can someone please help me? I also forgot what the original ProgramFilesDir, ProgramW6432Dir and ProgramFilesDir (x86) was set to.

AriaTV said:

so sevenforums and other sites told me to go to regedit and change the programfiledir to the one you want so i just removed the (x86) and saved it. I also change ProgramW6432Dir, ProgramFilesDir (x86), and ProgramFilesDir to just C:\Program Files (Value Data).

Where on this site did you get instructions to change the default installation directories or do any of that stuff you list?

You should have left it alone and resisted your impulses.

ProgramFiles (x86) is the default installation location for 32-bit programs

ProgramFiles is the default installation location for 64-bit programs.

Leave it alone.

I'd guess you can look forward to a clean install to undo the complete mess you have made.

I take it you backed up the system registry before you messed things up.

You didn't? Oh well, it's a clean install then as ignatzatsonic recommends.

I do find it hard to believe that anyone on Windows Seven Forums would have advised you to edit the registry in that manner.

If you can provide us with a link to the source we can look into it for you and get the 'advice' amended.

"..how to make all my softwares get installed into.."

There is no need to tamper with the System folders. Just create a folder in the C:\ drive. Name it, organize into subfolders, however you like to your heart's content. Pin the top folder and you'll have easy access to all your installed software. Meanwhile, the System folders will remain fairly pristine.