Program Files VS Program Files x86

My friend has a 64 bit computer, and getting the 64 bit Alienware myself, I'm wondering what the deal is with two 'Program Files' folders. Some games and programs are installed in the 'Program Files x86' folder, while others are installed into the 'Program Files' folder. Does this mean that those in the former only work with 4gb of RAM, and the latter works with 8gb?

Are we supposed to install games we think work with 8gb of ram in the latter? How does it all work?

 

Let the installer automagically pick which "Program Files" folder to install to. One is for 32-bit programs and the other for 64-bit.

 

So if any program allows for up to 8gb of ram, it will install into 'Program Files'? Most modern demanding games should automatically install there right?

 

It's not about how much RAM is or can be used.
Simply, it's because it is possible for there to be 32-bit and 64-bit versions of the same program.
64-bit programs will automagically call for Program Files and 32-bit will call for Program Files (x86).

 

What factors give reason for the two types of program? For example, how would someone on 64bit benefit from downloading a 64bit version of Office, if its not to do with the amount of RAM that can be used?

 

So what if you are installing everything on a secondary drive? How do you set that up? on only have one Program files folder on my 2nd HDD.

 

Seriously, Google.

benefit of 64 bit programs - Google Search

There's a wealth of information out there for you - you don't need it spoonfed to you in a forum. It's especially surprising you don't just use Google, considering by the wording of your posts, you seem intelligent.

Basically, 64-bit allows for the processing of more data at any given time. And the black and white of it is, things are all moving towards being 64-bit, so just get on the boat

This is how Windows will install programs, no matter how many hard drives you install on. I don't get why you two seem to care...

 

I dont really care, just made me think about it when the guy asked the question.

 

A 64 bit program is optumized to run better on a 64 bit OS....everything 32 bit that is running is running in more of a "backwards compatable" type mode. Makes zero difference where you install it, but its best to jsut put it whereever the OS wants to put it. if you dig deeper, you will also find a 32 bit section of the registry called wow6432node for this exact same reason. general rule of thumb: if you have a choice, always install the 64 bit version over the 32. since i have a SSD, i created a D:\program files and D:\Program Files(x86) folder structure and put all my programs there. Except office, which loads CRAZY fast off my SSD. On my 120gb SSD, i basicly have the OS and office 2010, with a few other programs the dont goive you an option of where to install to. Everything else is on my 750gb secondary drive. i still have 72gb free on my SSD.

 

And the programs run fine and no problems at all? I have been searching for something like this because I don't like installing small programs and just wanted to install my games on my SSD. If this works flawlessly I am gonna have to do another secure erase.

 

Most every program you install will ask you where to put it if you do an advanced install...i jsut change the C: to a D: ... Everything will work perfect. the reason it asks you durring the install is so that it can update all of the files and registry changes durring the install and point to the right place.....now, you cant MOVE it afterwords without a reinstall. there are some programs the say they can move an install, but generally they are crap.

 

Right...essentially you can install them to any folder you like. Some people install all their games to a C:\games folder, you don't have to use program files at all (it's really just a standard default that programs install to unless you specify the folder). Like everyone has said though Program Files is 64-bit versions of the program Program FilesX86 is 32-bit programs