Where do i install files?

**Bubbasam** · 11-03-11, 05:03 PM

I have been in the process of getting my computer ready to accept BF3 as it's new god. First I upgraded to Win7 64 bit and of course had some issues with my 74gb raptor not being big enough. Now with a bigger hard drive and after somewhat familiarizing myself with this new OS, I bought BF3. I have installed a lot of my older programs into the program files(x86) location. My question is: Do I install BF3 into the program files folder? Isn't that where newer 64 bit programs are supposed to go? I hate to sound like a newb, but this OS has me a little confused.

**Alundil** · 11-03-11, 05:16 PM

64-bit programs will install themselves into the "Program Files" folder. 32-bit programs will install themselves (or should be installed) to the "Program Files (x86)" directory.

**Bubbasam** · 11-03-11, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by Alundil

64-bit programs will install themselves into the "Program Files" folder. 32-bit programs will install themselves (or should be installed) to the "Program Files (x86)" directory.

So...since origin is trying to install this (BF3) into the (x86) folder, does this mean BF3 is a 32 bit program?

**Alundil** · 11-03-11, 05:38 PM

yes - most games are still 32-bit

**Alundil** · 11-03-11, 05:43 PM

64-bit OSes are becoming the norm, and that's a good thing because over time more development will take place in a 64-bit environment (64-bit extensions etc). Currently the big bonus to 64-bit OSes is the ability to install and address larger and larger amounts of RAM (32-bit Windows OSes generally maxed at effective utilization of about 3.5 Gb RAM), without getting into PAE scenarios.
Whereas 64-bit OSes can address far more than that (Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit can address 192Gb of RAM).