I clean installed Win7 Pro 64 bit OS from Win7 Pro 32 bit on my laptop. There are now duplicate Program Files Folders (one with and one without x86 designation) with duplicate applications. The duplicate applications are major Windows programs, Internet Explorer, Windows Defender, Windows Mail, Windows Media Player, Windows NT, Windows Photo Viewer, Windows Portable Devices and Windows Sidebar. Does this mean that these duplicate Windows apps are needed for 32 bit and 64 bit software in these folders to be able to work with them respectively? Do I really need a 32 bit and 64 bit versions of Internet Explorer, Windows Defender, Mail, Media Player, NT, Photo Viewer, Portable Devices and Sidebar? It would have been nicer just to have one set of these Windows applications that works with both 32 bit and 64 bit software. These duplicate Windows applications do use a lot of HDD real estate. It would also be good to be able to have the option of uninstalling one of the duplicate sets. Is the ability to do just that available now?

Hi,In 64 bit operation system, 32 bit applications files are installed intoC:\Program Files(x86)32 bit system files are installed intoC:\WINDOWS\SysWOW64For 64 bit applications, files are installed toC:\Program Files and C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32You are right. These duplicate folders are needed for 32 bit and 64 bit software respectively. It make sure a 32 bit program can run smoothly in a 64 bit OS since most programs are still 32 bit applications.One set of these Windows applications that works with both 32 bit and 64 bit software is a good idea just havn't come to reality yet.