Solved Why is Windows 7 64-bit not 64-bit?

[Spock3]

I installed Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit and I still get that "Program Files (x86)" folder besides the "Program Files" folder. I do not and I do not want to use any 32-bit crap. How can I legally get rid of the 32-bit crap?

 

[vaidas3]

I installed Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit and I still get that "Program Files (x86)" folder besides the "Program Files" folder. I do not and I do not want to use any 32-bit crap. How can I get legally get rid of the 32-bit crap?

there is still many 32 bit software.. for example many web browsers still are 32 bit.. there is some 64bit versions but for example development was stopped for firefox 64bit.
so with so many 32bit software it would be not practical to remove 32bit support.
32bit is not crap there is limitations but most of the times you do not see any difference.
64bit computing in consumer operating system is very young and still not many developers make 64bit software.. only from vista 64bit windows sees some support.

 

[Nigsy]

What is Windows Program Files and Program Files (x86)?

You probably do need it are are using it without even knowing.

 

[4wd]

I do not and I do not want to use any 32-bit crap

You've got nothing in your Programs Files (x86) folder ?
Whatever, I see it as a feature -> compatibility for all kinds of programs, past and future. A 64bit-only OS could (or will) be very restricting.

 

[VitalOd]

Windows 7 64 bit will still run most 32 bit software. If you install any 32 bit software your 64 bit system it will go into the program files (x86) folder.

 

[Spock3]

To be more precise: I do not use any 32-bit software. Sequoia 64-bit, Plug-Ins 64-bit, WinRar 64-bit, Sony Vegas 12 64-bit. That's it. I don't need Games, Internet, DVD Maker, not even MS Office and so on. How can I get rid of these? I think Microsoft is unfair to force users to have all this "crap" on the harddisk.

 

[mitchell65]

What is in your Program Files (x86) Folder? Can you post a screenshot please?

 

[Spock3]

I can do that when I am at home. But I can tell you that there are all the MS folders that I also find in the "Program Files". Common Files, MS Build, Media Player, Internet Explorer (I don't even have a network connection for this computer), MS Mail, and so on. The programs I use and installed are all 64-bit. The same applies to any hardware drivers. - Now, if I read you right, you suggest that I must have installed a 32-bit program and that's why I get the x86 Program Files. I'm going to check that and let you know the result. Thanks for your comments, anyway.

 

[VitalOd]

I know what you mean, when you pay for a 64 bit hardware and software you expect to use it at all times. But I wouldnt let it bother you, its not worth the rise in blood pressure

Some software is so processor efficient that having a 64 bit version of it wouldn't really give you a noticeable performance increase.

Also sometimes when you install a 64 bit version of something it automatically installs a 32 bit version as well, though this doesn't happen all that often.

 

[Spock3]

Thanks, VitalOd, but don't worry about my blood pressure. I'm fine.

 

[DeaconFrost]

So you would rather have it be x64 only, and then have masses of people complaining that their older software doesn't work, or thier kids favorite game or app doesn't work? It's done so for compatibility. Blame the software developers, not Microsoft for this.

The Program Files (x86) directory is necessary and needs to stay. It isn't harming anything, and it's just wasted effort to worry about it. That folder is present from the very get-go with the OS. It's been that way since Vista x64 was released 5 or so years ago. Spend your efforts enjoying your computer for it's intended purposes.

 

[Spock3]

"Also sometimes when you install a 64 bit version of something it automatically installs a 32 bit version as well, though this doesn't happen all the often."

In case that happens, what will happen if I delete the x86 Program Files folder? (Don't tell me I can't do it as there is always a way.)

 

[Spock3]

Deacon Frost, at least there should be a choice for me, shouldn't it? My kids have their own computers.
Would you like to have a Ferrarri with a Volkswagen engine?

 

[VitalOd]

No dont try to delete the folder its part of Microsoft's operating system and is essential

 

[DeaconFrost]

What choice do you need? It's there for compatibility sake. What is it harming? If you really want to be OCD about it, read up on why it is there.

 

[Spock3]

"No dont try to delete the folder its part of Microsoft's operating system and is essential."

Why is a 32-bit program folder "essential" for a 64-bit operating system?

 

[mitchell65]

In case that happens, what will happen if I delete the x86 Program Files folder?

There's one sure way of finding out!

 

[Spock3]

I know.

 

[DeaconFrost]

I just don't get the fear or worry in it. If you are asking what it is for and why it's there, then you shouldn't be so argumentative about it.

When a piece of software is called "64 bit" it refers to one of two things. It's either natively 64 bit, or it's 64 bit compatible, yet the executables may still be 32 bit programs. I have plenty of software that falls into both categories, and I only run Windows x64. In fact, Windows 7 x64 contains both 64 bit and 32 bit files and executables...so again, it makes no sense to be ranting and raving over one folder.

It's a necessary part of the OS, and should be left in place. There is absolutely no reason to consider or feel the need to remove it.

 

[VitalOd]

2 reasons,

1- its part of the windows 64 bit operating system which you should not tamper with.
2 - Its a failsafe for filing anything 32 bit that gets installed.

I like said before its not always in your control when something 32 bit gets installed on a 64 bit system. At any time there might be something essential to your system that needs to be installed and if that is a 32 bit program it gets put there so it works correctly.

Interoperability with existing technologies
The differences between the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Internet Explorer can affect toolbar add-ins and Microsoft ActiveX controls. For example, 32-bit toolbar add-ins does not work in the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer. These add-ins include the MSN toolbar, the AOL toolbar, the eBay toolbar, and the Google toolbar. You can install 32-bit toolbars in the 32-bit version of Internet Explorer. However, the 32-bit toolbars will not appear in the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer.

For example, when you start the Setup program for the 32-bit Google toolbar in the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer, the Google Setup program closes the 64-bit Internet Explorer window. The Google Setup program opens a new 32-bit Internet Explorer window when setup is completed. The Google toolbar appears in the 32-bit version of Internet Explorer, and the toolbar works correctly. The 32-bit Google toolbar is not installed in the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer.

By design, the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer cannot host 32-bit ActiveX controls. Additionally, the 32-bit version of Internet Explorer cannot host 64-bit ActiveX controls.