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... 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)".


cool, yes it sounds weird, but hey its Microsoft...hahahahahahaha....but it works great...thanks for the good explanationwell, 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)Yes, it's not a secret. You MUST use 64 bit drivers for a 64 bit OS