64 Bit OS with 32 bit applications

cerebus

cerebus

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Ok this is just something that bugs me with Vista 64. It demarcates all of my x86 programs - which are the vast majority of them - into a separate 'program files' folder which doesn't seem to be recognized in the start menu or anywhere else it would be needed. is there any way to just merge them or something? Do you know what I'm trying to get at? It just bugs the flip out of me.
 
when you install any application you can simply delete the (x86) suffix in the destination directory that way it installs into the "program files" directory as it would on the 32bit os. in this case that folder is reserved for 64bit apps. i can't come up with a reason why ms decided the two has to be seperated but im sure there is one . . .
 
mm so I need to go through and reinstall my entire x86 folder....ok I suppose I can do that.
 
some of them you can reinstall then copy the config files from the (x86) directory to the new one, that way your settings will remain intact?? just a suggestion, but it obviously is widely dependend on the actual program that you install. some smart apps store user profile settings in a hidden folder reserved for application data or your my documents folder.
 
Ech yeah I suppose I can do all that. I'm just grumpy because of stupid design choices by MS.
 
Lord Fubar said:
when you install any application you can simply delete the (x86) suffix in the destination directory that way it installs into the "program files" directory as it would on the 32bit os. in this case that folder is reserved for 64bit apps. i can't come up with a reason why ms decided the two has to be seperated but im sure there is one . . .
Click to expand...

It must be their WoW emulation layer.
I think it would interfere with the x64 executables, somehow.
 
Personally I think it is an excellent idea. If I am correct XP x64 also had it. Separates 32bit from the 64bit!

Just wish there was more 64bit applications though!
 
I wouldn't mind so much if it didn't make the 32 bit programs so hard to find. It's ok if theyr'e in different folders, but the 32 ones don't even appear on the start menu. I have to do a special search every time I want to open up a 32 bit program - and that's unfortunately the majority of them atm.
 
yes. the 'current user/start menu' folder is the same as on previous versions.
 
cerebus said:
I wouldn't mind so much if it didn't make the 32 bit programs so hard to find. It's ok if theyr'e in different folders, but the 32 ones don't even appear on the start menu. I have to do a special search every time I want to open up a 32 bit program - and that's unfortunately the majority of them atm.
Click to expand...
S'funny. On my standard installs (Vista-64 and Win7-64) all 32-bit and 64-bit apps appear on Start. This is done programmatically, so the only reason can be user intervention.
 
As do mine. I do think it's a slight bit annoying that there are 2 direcotries for files, but it actually makes sense. The more 64 bit apps become available, the less and less we'll need to use the old x86 directory.

Also, I've tried this, but a 32 bit program struggles to install the the 64 bit folder, Adobe CS2 flatout refused to. Something to do with how the things are coded I think.
 
i'm prolly wrong, but i think it because of wow (windows on windows), something else is going on if the shortuts aren't showing up though
 
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