Identifying 32-bit and 64-bit programs in Windows Explorer?

[flycaster]

Most of the programs that I have dl'd, have been placed into Program Files (x86), even if the installer was recommending Program Files. Not really sure why I was doing this. I have now found out that the difference between these two folders is one is for 32-bit and the other for 64-bit programs. So, now I have many programs that are in the wrong folder, but don't know how to identify with is 64-bit and which is 32-bit. I'd like to be able to identify which is which and then move the programs into their correct folders. However, I must also say, that as far as I can tell, all my programs are working fine and I really wonder if I have to do this house-keeping???

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I'd like to be able to identify which is which and then move the programs into their correct folders. However, I must also say, that as far as I can tell, all my programs are working fine and I really wonder if I have to do this house-keeping???

I wouldn't move them.

I'd do one of two things:

Uninstall the programs and reinstall them to the proper folder.

Do nothing until and unless problems develop. I don't know how likely that is.

 

[flycaster]

I'd like to be able to identify which is which and then move the programs into their correct folders. However, I must also say, that as far as I can tell, all my programs are working fine and I really wonder if I have to do this house-keeping???

I wouldn't move them.

I'd do one of two things:

Uninstall the programs and reinstall them to the proper folder.

Do nothing until and unless problems develop. I don't know how likely that is.

OK, as they don't seem to be causing any known problems, I'll leave them as is. However, I am still interested in knowing how to identify the 32-bit from the 64-bit programs.

Also, let's say that although I have no problems with programs in the wrong folders, what is wrong with moving them to their correct folder?

 

[seavixen32]

They really shouldn't be placed in any other than their default directory.



You can look in Task Manager under the Processes tab and it should notify you whether it is a 32-bit or 64-bit application.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

However, I am still interested in knowing how to identify the 32-bit from the 64-bit programs.

Also, let's say that although I have no problems with programs in the wrong folders, what is wrong with moving them to their correct folder?

I'm not sure there an easy way to identify 32-bit versus 64-bit from looking at file properties of any type. Normally, you would just look to see if the app was in Program Files or Program Files (x86) and draw a conclusion---which method you have foiled.

Moving non-personal files around within C is begging for problems. Try it and see how you make out. The registry would point to location A and you would have moved a file to location B.

 

[flycaster]

Thanks all. I can now identify 32-bit from 64-bit. However, for the time being, I think I'll just leave things as they are. And, maybe later, if I feel adventurous, I'll change some programs to their proper folders. My main concern is ignaatzatsonic's counseling on that "...Moving non-personal files around within C is begging for problems. Try it and see how you make out. The registry would point to location A and you would have moved a file to location B."