I have windows 7 (64 bit) and all my games are installed OUTSIDE of the (X86) program folder except GTA4. I know almost nothing of how this stuff works so I let GTA4 get installed inside this X86 folder but I wonder what the mechanics of this is/are?. I have read elsewhere that you should not install your games in this folder but I cant figure out why.

Is there a REAL reason to do this or NOT do this? What will happen if you install it outside that folder like my other 32 bit games (falcon BMS, rise of flight, ect)? I would like to hear from someone who really knows this answer and is not guessing please. I really want the most out of GTA4 and LCPDFR as I intend to spend alot of time here.

Many thanks

I, personally, have no problem at all with installing my applications in the default folder (x86). It really does not matter where you install them. I just place them in my programs folder since 1) they default there and 2) they are easier to keep track of if they're all in one place. It should not matter where you install applications, 32- or 64-bit. It won't affect how the game performs.

I, personally, have no problem at all with installing my applications in the default folder (x86). It really does not matter where you install them. I just place them in my programs folder since 1) they default there and 2) they are easier to keep track of if they're all in one place. It should not matter where you install applications, 32- or 64-bit. It won't affect how the game performs.

This, And yeah, it really shouldn't matter, JAM.

Like Iconography said it wont matter. The reason it is set up that was so you could tell if an application was 64bit. 64bit will be in program files where as 32bit will be in x86 directories. Also I think this is more for the registry then anything. 32bit apps have there own logical registry where app data is stored.

In the program (86) directory (just like in most of the other basic directories created at the windows installation) Windows itself is often working with virtual paths. e.g. When I go to "C:BenutzerLil-richEigene Dokumente" (all in german, sry^^) and then copy the path it would be "C:UserLil-richDocuments" - so what you see is not what you get in the end.

Therefore it can be causing problems with certain games/programs that require full access to their "home folders" especially when the UAC is activated or/and you are not a system admin on your computer (that's why most ppl deactivate UAC besides the annoying messages :D )

Just read that somewhere and installing my games on C:Games since then...