Can I delete folders from Program Files(x86) ?

[nilesh1foru]

I have Windows 7 Home basic 64 Bit OS.
I have lots of applications installed, out of which every applications folders
are stored on both Program files and Program files (X86) Folder.
I am not going to use 32 bit OS in future.
So can I delete folders from Program files (x86) Folder directly ?
(Its shows in Add/Remove Programs too..)
(Because It shows in All Programs menu @ start up and
it consuming space on Hard disk and All programs )

 

[richc46]

They should be removed from the control panel. In addition, for the best removal you should use the revno uninstall tool.
http://www.revouninstaller.com/

You want to be sure that no remnants remain, this could cause problems.

 

[Kari]

Please don't do that! That's not how these two different Program Files folders work.

In an x64 system, Windows creates two program folders: in Program Files are stored native, real 64-bit applications, Program Files (x86) stores the programs that aren't native 64-bit.

For instance most users use standard 32-bit web browsers. IE8 and Firefox have 64-bit versions available, but mostly because Flash player don't yet support 64-bit, when you download and install a browser it's by default 32-bit. In my x64 system, I've installed Lunascape, Firefox and Opera browsers, all are located in Program Files (x86) folder, none of them have a folder in Program Files.

Please excuse me, but I doubt you have exactly the same subfolders in both Program Files folders. That's not how it works. Check again, and you'll notice some programs are to be found in Program Files, some others in Program Files (x86). Only a few programs create folders on both locations. An example is MsOffice which can have a subfolder in both folders, but if you check the content of these two Microsoft Office folders, you'll notice they are different.

To uninstall programs and applications, use the programs own uninstall application, or rather an uninstaller as Control Panel > Programs and Features and Revo Uninstaller. Do not uninstall by deleting a program folder.

Kari

 

[Bill2]

The dual structure is by design. Having 32-bit programs installed to the "Program files (x86)" folder eliminates the risk of having both 32-bit and 64-bit installs of the same program present, and their installation files creating conflicts and/or performance problems.

Some programs install both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, so I suggest you leave the structure as it is.

If, on your machine, both folders are almost duplicates (Have you compared sizes?), it mean that most of the apps you have installed install both platform versions.

 

[nilesh1foru]

I am confused about the way it is designed ...
What the necessity to design two diffrent folders ? ( I know the 32-bit and 64-bit stuff)
I have anther question too ...
whether 64 bit programs are compatible on XP ?
If yes then Why Windows 7 have made two diffrent folders Why?.... dont they manage like XP ?

 

[Arc]

You can, but you may not

 

[electrotune1200]

That's just the way it was intended. You're better off leaving it be the way it is.

If you are running x64 XP, then x64 programs would be compatable.

As for it managing like XP did... Of course it's different, x86 was the norm in XP. It's now 10 years later, and technology advances.

 

[DeaconFrost]

I am confused about the way it is designed ...
What the necessity to design two diffrent folders ? ( I know the 32-bit and 64-bit stuff)
I have anther question too ...
whether 64 bit programs are compatible on XP ?
If yes then Why Windows 7 have made two diffrent folders Why?.... dont they manage like XP ?

The two folders are meant to separate out the native x64 apps versus the ones that are x86, but still compatible. You say you know the 32 bit and 64 bit stuff, so that means you are aware that just because an app is compatible with the x64 OS, doesn't mean it is a native x64 app. Those folders are meant to show you the difference, and I always let the app install to whichever of the two if picks by default.

As for your second question, yes x64 apps can be compatible with XP...as long as you are running Windows XP Professional x64 Edition.

These two folders shouldn't be a surprise to anyone, considering they've been used for 6-7 years now, or longer. XP x64 used them, and so did all versions of Vista x64.

 

[Hellper]

Fix 100%

Guys that files in program files(x86) is a part of system and it cant be deleted if you wanna to that dont see go to right click on program files (x86) and firs down HIDE then apply wait 2 minutes there s nothing
WARRNING:that you do is just hide folder if you delete direc os are killed!!

 

[DeaconFrost]

As a helpful hint, Hellper, don't post in a thread that's over 2 and a half years old, unless there's some new, groundbreaking advice that needs to be stated. It's called necroposting, and it's generally frowned upon on most boards.