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Microsoft Knowledge Base Article

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The %ProgramFiles% registry value that a 32-bit application is writes is automatically changed to %ProgramFiles(x86)% on a computer that is running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista

Article ID: 950407 - View products that this article applies to.

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SYMPTOMS

When a 32-bit application is writing the %ProgramFiles% registry value on a computer that is running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista, Windows Vista automatically changes this string to %ProgramFiles(x86)%. This behavior cannot be changed.

This behavior also occurs in the 64-bit versions of Windows Server 2003 and of Windows XP.

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CAUSE

This behavior occurs because %ProgramFiles% is a keyword for translation from a 64-bit operation to a 32-bit operation. This behavior enables a 32-bit application to work correctly with the %ProgramFiles% registry value when the application reads the %ProgramFiles% registry value later.

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RESOLUTION

To prevent Windows Vista from changing the %ProgramFiles% registry value that a 32-bit application writes, use one of the following methods.

Method 1

Pass a lower-cased string (for example, %programfiles%) or a capitalized string (for example, %COMMONPROGRAMFILES%). This method bypasses the redirection of the registry value.

Method 2

Use the KEY_WOW64_64KEY flag when you try to open or to create the value. For more information about the KEY_WOW64_64KEY flag, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa384129(VS.85).aspx

(http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa384129(VS.85).aspx)

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STATUS

This behavior is by design.

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MORE INFORMATION

For more information about the WOW64 implementation, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa384274(VS.85).aspx

(http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa384274(VS.85).aspx)

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Properties

Article ID: 950407 - Last Review: April 16, 2008 - Revision: 1.4

APPLIES TO

Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition
Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition
Microsoft Windows XP Professional 64-Bit Edition (Itanium)
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter x64 Edition
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition
Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition

kbexpertiseadvanced kbtshoot kbprb KB950407

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Community Feedback System

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Please also understand that the community feedback system is not warranted to be correct, it's simply a system that we've built to let people try and help each other. If something in a feedback response doesn't make sense to you, or you're not comfortable making changes that the feedback talks about (like registry edits), please consult a professional.

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