Solved Program files/Program files(x86) HELP

[WillPeskett]

I have 64-bit Windows 7 and have been trying to use my old copy of Microsoft Office 2007, which MS's W7 Compatibility Centre says should work OK. Up to a point. When I click on an Excel file, it fails to open the Excel application. OK if I manually open Excel and then browse for the file, but this could prove tiresome. I found that I had loaded Office 2007 into the Program Files (x86) folder. When I right click on my Excel file, go to 'Open With', and browse for a program to open the file, it's not there. This is because 'Open With' gives you Program Files to browse, not Program Files (x86). I boldly moved the Office suite from PFx86 to plain PF. Now Excel shows in the 'Open With' list and I can point my file in the right direction. Everything now back to normal. Hope this helps!

 

[jpaul3]

Program Files, etc...

I recently purchased a Seagate External Hard-drive from Best Buy to back up our computers at home. It does not back up program files (or windows system files.) Should this have been something to consider before getting an External HD for Backup?

Thanks,
John

 

[Jonathan_King]

Hello,

You can create a Windows System Image to backup Windows settings and program files: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html

 

[hoangngochieu]

Sorry, I posted it at a wrong place

 

[hoangngochieu]

Thank you very much, all of you!

Join Date: May 2011

Windows 7 Ultimate x64
1 posts





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Thank you very much, all of you!
Your answers have solved my problems. I was going to delete the file C:\Program Files x86 as I thought it was so useless when I saw this article. Thank you so much!!! You've saved my laptop!!!

These answers have solved my problems.

 

[Rack4u]

I have two hard drives can I just create another file on the second hard drive called Program Files x86 to store new programs that I may not want on my first drive to prevent it from getting to full?

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

I have two hard drives can I just create another file on the second hard drive called Program Files x86 to store new programs that I may not want on my first drive to prevent it from getting to full?

Hello Rack4u, welcome to Seven Forums!


You can install progs/apps to wherever you like but don't name it Program Files, too confusing, a word of caution though, not letting some things install to the default location may cause serious issues when they try to run but I haven't had it happen yet.

 

[vbrown]

So if by chance, there should potentially be some type malware located in the Program Files (x86) folder, would it be a bad idea to completely delete the folder?

 

[Jonathan_King]

So if by chance, there should potentially be some type malware located in the Program Files (x86) folder, would it be a bad idea to completely delete the folder?

Hello vbrown,

Deleting the Program Files (x86) folder would likely delete many programs that are installed, so it's not recommended. A better idea would be to run a virus scan on that folder using a program such as Malwarebytes or the ESET Online Scanner.

 

[rraod]

Should I install the Windows7 32bit also or I'm OK as is?

You will need 32bit windows only if you have 16 bit legacy applications. These applications can not be run on 64 bit windows.

The 32 bit windows can be run as XP mode on Windows 7 x64.

 

[magicdrummer]

I solved Flight Simulator will not load problem. Installshield Wizard was trying to load files in the /Program Files(x86) when it should have been loading into /Program Files/Microsoft games/etc, etc,

I simply changed the location during the setup mode and the Simulator loads fine now. Good luck and thanks to everyone who posts answers and problems.