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Why the same software in Programs Files (x86) and "Program Files"?

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aikimoz80 Posted messages 8 Status Member -  
Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   -
Hello,
Why are some software present in both the "Program Files (x86)" and "Program Files" folders?
I know that the "Program Files (x86)" folder is for 32-bit software installations,
and the "Program Files" folder is for 64-bit software installations, but why are the same programs present in both?
For example: Windows Sidebar in both directories, Windows Portable Devices, Windows Photo Viewer, Windows NT, Windows Media Player, Microsoft.NET, and others.
Thank you for your response.

2 answers

  1.
    Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712
     
    Hello,

    It depends if they are in 64-bit version or not.
    That's perfectly normal.

    --
    Please press any key to continue the disinfection...
    1
    1. aikimoz80 Posted messages 8 Status Member
       
      In fact, I'm seriously short on space; the system drive is a 120 GB SSD (I know it's tight) and Windows 7 takes up 100 GB, and I don't know how to free up space, especially since some of my folders are inaccessible, like "this folder is not accessible, access denied," even though I thought I had "administrator" rights. It's a bit of a puzzle.
      Anyway, thank you for your reply.
      Have a good evening.
      0
      1. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712 > aikimoz80 Posted messages 8 Status Member
         
        To free up disk space, you can start with a Windows cleanup:
        Press Windows + R
        Type cleanmgr
        Perform the cleanup.

        Then, follow this tutorial: how to free up disk space on Windows
        From the link, use WindirStat to visualize what is taking up abnormal disk space and clean accordingly.
        Try to determine what is taking up abnormal disk space using WindirStat.

        Some points to check mentioned in the link:
        • Clean up with the Windows cleanup program and free up disk space in the Windows folder: How to reduce the size of the Windows folder
        • Check for misconfigurations, System Restore, Antivirus, etc...
        • Presence of the windows.old folder following a Windows 10 update or reset
        • See if you have videos or others that are taking up space as well


        It is important to use the WindirStat program to see what might be taking up space; feel free to take a screenshot if needed.
        0
  2. Pierrecastor Posted messages 10830 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   4 215
     
    Hello,

    Install WinDirStat, you'll quickly see what's taking up space.

    https://windirstat.net/
    --
    Light a fire for someone and they'll be warm for the rest of the day. Set a man on fire and he'll be warm for the rest of his life. -Terry Pratchett-
    0
    1. aikimoz80 Posted messages 8 Status Member
       
      Hi, I ran "windirstat," but it seems to me that it is impossible to free up space; of course, I don’t claim anything given my limited knowledge of computers.
      0
    2. Pierrecastor Posted messages 10830 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   4 215 > aikimoz80 Posted messages 8 Status Member
       
      Can you tell me what the red and green files are? (by clicking on them). What are their names and where are they stored?
      0
    3. Malekal_morte- Posted messages 178136 Registration date   Status Moderator, Security Contributor Last intervention   24 712 > aikimoz80 Posted messages 8 Status Member
       
      Unzip the Windows folder and take a screenshot
      but given how things are going, we need to clean up Windows\installer
      Check out this tutorial: https://www.malekal.com/supprimer-dossier-windows-old/
      0
    4. aikimoz80 Posted messages 8 Status Member
       
      Hi
      First of all, thank you for your interest in my case.

      Screenshot of the Windows folder


      In the red section, there is a series of files located in the folder C:\Windows\Installer files → 1ce59a5.msp (492.6MB), 2f3b90a.msp (227.4MB), etc.



      In the green section: Series of files (apparently it’s a .rar archive)?



      On another note, I checked the tutorial See this tutorial: https://www.malekal.com/supprimer-dossier-windows-old/ I ran cleanmgr
      1) I don’t have a Windows.old file (I also ran CCleaner, but I run that regularly)

      The result is disappointing.
      I confess I'm losing a little hope of finding a bit of space.
      0