help with duplicate programs on c: drive

[nikonfruit]

hi, I am using win 7 64bit I have noticed on my c drive there are 2 sets of programs one under program files and another more in-depth? on x86? do I need both sets? its a stupid question but I don't want to delete one if they are needed?
mark

 

[Pauly]

You cannot delete either of these they are both required.
One set if for 32 bit apps the other for 64 bit apps, deleting anything from either of these folders will render programs unusable

 

[nikonfruit]

hi Pauly thank you

 

[LMiller7]

A 64 bit OS is capable of running both 32 and 64 bit applications. Typically 64 bit applications will go to "Program Files" and 32 bit applications to "Program Files (x86). There will be many cases of apparent duplication of folders and files but this is more apparent than real. They may look the same in Windows explorer but internally 32 bit and 64 bit programs are VERY different. This is all a lot more complicated than it appears and most guesses will be wrong.

Normally programs are uninstalled and not manually deleted from the program files folders. There are times this may be necessary but you really need to understand what you are doing. Your policy should be look but don't touch. That goes double for anything in the Windows folder or it's subfolders.

 

[Layback Bear]

nikon

I like the method you used. Ask before removing.
Continue using that method and you and your computer will get along with each other.

Now from me, someone who is not schooled in computers but has been around awhile.

I also snoop through my computers and find many things that I have no idea what they are or used for. I Google them and sometimes I find nothing. At that time my Rule of the Thumb is look but don't touch.

I see that LMiller7 has the same rule.

Now if for whatever reason you don't want to follow the Rule of Thumb please print out this tutorial and hang it on the wall. You will be using it a lot.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html

 

[AddRAM]

Leave the folders alone.

 

[nikonfruit]

thanks for all your reply`s most helpful