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What does '%ProgramFiles(x86)%' mean?

I am attempting to use 64-bit versions of my 32-bit programs under Windows 7 Professional 64. Since Adobe has yet to release a 64-bit version of its Flash Player Internet Explorer will have to wait.

However the Windows Media Player can be changed. The 'Start in:' field for the Windows Media Player reads: "%ProgramFiles(x86)%\Windows Media Player"

I have two questions: 1) Why are there '%' signs on both sides of 'ProgramFiles(x86)'? and 2) Why are there no spaces in the character string 'ProgramFiles(x86)'?

 

Programmer for Visual C++ 6.0, and Microsoft Office including Access
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Answer

I am well acquainted with the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node Registry Key. My computer was 'bundled' with all sorts of 'trial' software which I decided to remove prior to the end of the trial period. As usual the removal process left me with folders and registry entries which I decided to remove. The folders were problematic because I had to take their ownership away from the 'TrustedInstaller' but I was successful.

Thank you for your response. This means that in order to switch to the 64-bit version of Windows Media Player I need to replace the '%ProgramFiles(x86)%' in the shortcut to: Program Files. I also need to unpin the shortcut to the media player from the taskbar. Next I need to pin the shortcut to the 64-bit media player to the taskbar. Finally I shall need to update the 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\wmplayer.exe' registry entry. Pretty simple.

I wanted to update to the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer but, alas, Adobe has yet to release its 64-bit version of Flash Player. Due to this I have decided to wait for it to be releaseed prior to making the switch.

 

Programmer for Visual C++ 6.0, and Microsoft Office including Access
Programmer for Visual C++ 6.0, and Microsoft Office including Access

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Last updated January 10, 2024 Views 26,228 Applies to: