Computer Hope
Microsoft => Microsoft Windows => Windows Vista and 7 => Topic started by: Peterwolfe on November 10, 2009, 10:29:57 AM
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1 is only called Program files and other is called Program files (x86)......when I install a network adapter-driver it goes to the one with the (x86), why and what is the difference....I have W7 Ultimate x64
Specs: AMD Athlon 64, 2.02Ghz, 3200+, 3Gb RAM, both W7 and XP on C:\ in own partitions... ???
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the Program files (x86) is where 32-bit applications are stored. 64-bit windows has a lot of funky redirects to make sure stuff still works.
For example- "C:\windows\system32"- when that folder is accessed by a 32-bit program, windows silently accesses C:\windows\SysWow64 instead. the "real" C:\windows\system32 actually contains 64 bit dlls and executables. (I know, it's weird).
same with C:\program files, except the redirection isn't quite so blatant: x64 programs get "C:\program files" as the environment variable, x86 programs get "C:\program files (x86)".
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cool, yes it sounds weird, but hey its Microsoft...hahahahahahaha....but it works great...thanks for the good explanation
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well, the only thing that is a real bugger, is the fact tha my old drivers do not work anymore, they are 32 bits and not 64 bits and W7 really let you know!!!!!! ::) fortunately the producers did realize that and I have found them all, quite fresh as well as f.i. 031109....lol (for americans: 110309)
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Yes, it's not a secret. You MUST use 64 bit drivers for a 64 bit OS ;)