So why are there two Program Files Directories? Issue for manual installs?

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x509

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I've got several "simple" one-exe. file utilities that have to be hand installed.

Does it really matter if I hand-install EXIFTool and similar programs into Program Files or into Program Files (x86). (By the way, if you are a serious photographer, EXIFTool is :) highly :) recommended.)

Just wondering. :confused:
 
As noted, one is for 32-bit apps to install in and the other is for 64-bit. Because both Program Files directories are considered system directories, you'll have to provide Administrative access (care of a UAC prompt) to paste or create new content in either of them but it's entirely possible. My suggestion would be just create a directory inside your My Documents and drop 'em there where they can run without any UAC actions whatsoever, but I know some folks like to keep everything organized so, that's what Program Files is all about. I have like 2 dozen portable apps (as most everything I use is or has been made to be) that run from their own discrete directories in My Documents, I find it easier just in case I need to reinstall for some reason to use stuff I can move around and run from anywhere anytime.
 
Also you don't "install" a single file exe app, you just copy it wherever you want and then run it.
 
The two are arbitrary, it doesn't matter which one you put whatever in. They are a transitional element in cases where a person may have the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of things (ie. Internet Explorer).

Just FYI, these two directories have been in x64 Windows for TEN YEARS.
 
Ocellaris said:
Also you don't "install" a single file exe app, you just copy it wherever you want and then run it.
Click to expand...

So guys, I'm the OP, and I'm concluding that it really doesn't matter if I put those single-file apps in Program files, instead of Program Files (x86).

To respond to one of the comments, I like to keep a very neat, well organized file system. Maybe it's my OCD kicking in. :p
 
x509 said:
So guys, I'm the OP, and I'm concluding that it really doesn't matter if I put those single-file apps in Program files, instead of Program Files (x86).

To respond to one of the comments, I like to keep a very neat, well organized file system. Maybe it's my OCD kicking in. :p
Click to expand...

Then you should go into system32 and move all the files into separate folders based on type :p

More seriously, if this is a standalone (portable) executable, it might be better to have a general "Tools" folder you install it in, unless you're creating all of the shortcuts yourself (e.g. start menu). If you have a 32-bit program that ever references its own path using %ProgramFiles%\ProgramName\FileName.ext, it will not work if you put it in the 64-bit program files, as the WOW64 subsystem will return the (x86) folder to a 32 bit program.
 
SuperSubZero said:
The two are arbitrary, it doesn't matter which one you put whatever in. They are a transitional element in cases where a person may have the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of things (ie. Internet Explorer).

Just FYI, these two directories have been in x64 Windows for TEN YEARS.
Click to expand...

Or Adobe Creative Suite
 
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