Whats the deal with the Program Files (x86) folder in Vista 64bit?

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I'm assuming the above folder is for 32bit programs in 64bit Vista but whats the significance? do the programs within get executed differently or is it there just to keep 32 bit programs seperate from 64 bit software? I find it annoying to have 2 different program files folders and have changed the location of a few to the regular program files folder with apparently no ill effect.

cheers

Kev
 
I'm guessing its just for end user organisation, almost certainly no difference between the two. I was wondering when i installed as well. Also kinda depressing seeing as there's only like 3 programs in the standard (no x86) folder that i've installed
 
No, this is only in 64Bit versions of XP and Vista.

The Normal Programs of Windows, will reside in

C:\Program Files\

And since your O/S is 64 bit, that is where the 64Bit Program files will be held normally.

However, many many Programs are still actually 32Bit and so, it puts those into the Program Files (x86) folder instead.

Makes absolutely no difference if you change them round at all.
 
It's just logical placement of applications according to whether they are 32bit or 64bit, there's no actual difference in how things inside "Program Files" or "Program Files (x86)" are run.
 
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