Thread: Program Files vs. Program Files (x86) in vista?

I realized a few months ago when messing around with TF2 screenshots I realized my Steam folder is in my Program Files (x86) folder. Is this an indication of Steam running in 32 bit mode? Is there anything i can/should do to take more advantage of my 64 bit CPU in Steam?

Is this anything I should concern myself with?

Originally Posted by Consultant

I realized a few months ago when messing around with TF2 screenshots I realized my Steam folder is in my Program Files (x86) folder. Is this an indication of Steam running in 32 bit mode? Is there anything i can/should do to take more advantage of my 64 bit CPU in Steam?

Is this anything I should concern myself with?

The x86 folder is the 64 bit programs folder, which means it is running 64 bit. At least that is what I gather from it.

x86 = 32-bit, not 64-bit.

Originally Posted by WileECyte

x86 = 32-bit, not 64-bit.

Yup
And just so you know, to my knowledge, the only 64 bit Steam game is Half-Life 2 and from what I heard and read, its really buggy.

Originally Posted by WileECyte

x86 = 32-bit, not 64-bit.

Ahh, I was under the wrong impression then, my bad :P

A 32-bit program will go in the x86 folder by default.

But then again, I have always put all my software in the root C folder, just because I'm a rebel like that. Where it sits won't have any bearing on how it runs, AFAIK... i.e. you could install a 64-bit program in the "x86" folder or a 32-bit in the regular PF folder... Windows just likes to try to auto-categorize things for your dumb ass. :P