How will Win7(64) work if I install apps elsewhere other than the default Program Files folders?
This is really quite a simple thing. But I have not been able to obtain concrete answers, even from a MS specialist. I just want to know (in detail if possible) how Windows 7 64 bit will work under the following scenarios. 1.) If I were to create two completely new folders on C: drive (one for 64 bit and other for 32bit) and started installing all my applications in there, instead of the default Program Files or Program Files (x86), what exactly would happen? I know that it should work. But what happens to the Common Files and Application Data and other things? I know that each one of the default Program Files folders contains its own Common Files folder. So will I then deprive my installed apps from being able to use, and place files in, those folders properly? 2.) What if instead my new folders were each a sub-directory within the default folders? In other words, if I make a new folder in Program Files and another new one in Program Files(x86), and I then install all my apps into these new sub-directories, then what happens? The same question as above. Will there be any issues? As to why I'm interested in this... well, mostly I'm curious about how Win7 works. But also this way it would be slightly more organized and nicer for me. I like doing something similar on my WinXP systems. Thank you!
September 17th, 2010 12:27am

This is really quite a simple thing. But I have not been able to obtain concrete answers, even from a MS specialist. I just want to know (in detail if possible) how Windows 7 64 bit will work under the following scenarios. 1.) If I were to create two completely new folders on C: drive (one for 64 bit and other for 32bit) and started installing all my applications in there, instead of the default Program Files or Program Files (x86), what exactly would happen? I know that it should work. But what happens to the Common Files and Application Data and other things? I know that each one of the default Program Files folders contains its own Common Files folder. So will I then deprive my installed apps from being able to use, and place files in, those folders properly? 2.) What if instead my new folders were each a sub-directory within the default folders? In other words, if I make a new folder in Program Files and another new one in Program Files(x86), and I then install all my apps into these new sub-directories, then what happens? The same question as above. Will there be any issues? As to why I'm interested in this... well, mostly I'm curious about how Win7 works. But also this way it would be slightly more organized and nicer for me. I like doing something similar on my WinXP systems. Thank you! Hi StormRyder, I'm not one of the MVPs here however I had it tried and programs installed well. Common files and appdata still are in the same folder as they are when you install it in the regular program files. Ceasar CESabare Free Tech Support
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September 17th, 2010 3:18am

This issue is related to how the manufacturers of your applications have packaged them more than how Windows handles them after installation. If the application is packaged in an appropriate manner both your approaches should work. Unfortunately, during my years handling numerous applications, I have seen countless apps not behaving according to Microsoft standards. This includes well known apps from big software companies like Adobe and even Microsoft themselves. My answer to you would be that if you want to make sure all your applications are installed to one location you should go with the default. Otherwise you have to expect exceptions.
September 17th, 2010 3:58am

Thanks guys :) Anyone else have any other insights or similar experience(s)?
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September 17th, 2010 8:43pm

I make it a point not to use the default. I use a lot of my files from another computer, as well. I don't save any file in the default for the same reason. Most of my programs are 32bit, though. I only have two programs the are 64bit specific and those are in their default(windows IE and Adobe Photoshop). All programs have worked fine for me without hiccups. JB
September 18th, 2010 12:04am

The program works wherever you install it. When a file should be saved to Common Files or ProgramData, the installation program will find the locations via the environmental variable. You can enter set in the command line, then you can find that there is a variable for Common Files or ProgramData.Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.
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September 20th, 2010 4:39am

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