Windows 10: Unprotected \program files x86 folder?

Discus and support Unprotected \program files x86 folder? in Windows 10 Network and Sharing to solve the problem; I recall back with an earlier version of Windows, and I can't recall if it was XP, Vista, or 7, that I could not make it so that a folder for a game in... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Network and Sharing' started by SlickRCBD, Feb 28, 2021.

  1. SlickRCBD Win User

    Unprotected \program files x86 folder?


    I recall back with an earlier version of Windows, and I can't recall if it was XP, Vista, or 7, that I could not make it so that a folder for a game in \program files if it was XP or \program files x86 was unprotected from standard/limited users saving files in it for saved games and I had to make a new folder in C:\games to install the game, so I could make the C:\games\gamename\saves folder available for standard/limited users to save their game into.


    Fast forward 10 years with Windows 10, and I had created a C:\program files x86\batch\ for storing some batch files I'd made, and added it to the command line path environmental variable.


    Just now, I was logged in as as standard user and wanted to add a new batch file to that folder. I used cut and paste in Explorer, and expected to get prompted by UAC for elevation, which did not happen.

    I and presumably other users can easily add files into that folder.

    Has something changed with Windows security so that subdirectories in \program files x86\ are no longer so stringently protected?

    I recall that even changing the security permissions would not affect the protection in older versions of Windows or maybe the changes were just ignored, I forget. It's been a few years.

    I know how to fix the security permissions, I'm just wondering how long it has been possible.


    OK, I just checked the security permissions, and I should not have been able to copy the file at all. Only the Administrators group has write permission or full control.

    Unprotected \program files x86 folder? 1089299a-bcf3-4e98-a9e5-2720a264a687?upload=true.jpg


    Any idea how I was able to copy a file into this folder when logged in as the standard user "Slick"?

    Unprotected \program files x86 folder? 9a3b9319-1c6a-428f-acfa-6b7277727bb4?upload=true.jpg

    :)
     
    SlickRCBD, Feb 28, 2021
    #1

  2. Administartor rights lost in program file and program files x86

    Hi Luca,

    Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community, we appreciate your interest in Windows 10.

    I understand the inconvenience you are facing with accessing the files and folders on Program file and Program file x86, we will help you with this issue.

    Do let us know the following to assist you better:

    • Have you logged in as an administrator?
    • Is this issue specific only to the Programs file and Program file x86 folders?

    Step 1: If you have logged-in as an administrator, I suggest you to follow the below steps to give permission for entire system, so that you can access the specific files.

    • Right click on the folder and click on
      Properties
      .
    • Click on Security tab and select the
      group\user name.
    • Click on Edit option and check the option
      Full control.
    • Click on Apply and then on
      Ok
      button.

    Step 2: Try the following steps and check if it helps:

    • Right-click the C: Drive that you want to take ownership of, and then click
      Properties.
    • Click the Security tab, and then click
      OK on the Security message, if one appears.
    • Click Advanced, and then click the
      Owner tab.
    • In the Name list, click your user name,
      Administrator if you are logged in as Administrator, or click the
      Administrators group.

      If you want to take ownership of the contents of that folder, click to select the
      Replace owner on subcontainers and objects check box.
    • Click OK.

    • You may receive the following error message, where
      Folder is the name of the folder that you want to take ownership of:
      You do not have permission to read the co1ntents of directory Folder. Do you want to replace the directory permissions with permissions granting you Full Control? All permissions will be replaced if you press
      Yes.
    6. Click Yes.

    7. Click OK, and then reapply the permissions and security settings that you want for the folder and the folder contents.

    Hope it helps. Try the above and reply to the post with an updated status of this issue for further assistance, we will be happy to help you.
     
    Deepika Gowda, Feb 28, 2021
    #2
  3. KentEnnis Win User
    Program Files (x86) (x86)

    I have folders for program files, program files (x86) and program files (x86) (x86). Believe the program files (x86) (x86) is based on loading an incompatible Lexmark printer software as the only folder within is Lexmark 3500-4500 series. Tried to delete
    folder but states "action can't be completed because the folder or a file in it is open in another program. I have uninstalled all associated printer/software from system but can't seem to delete this folder. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thx
     
    KentEnnis, Feb 28, 2021
    #3
  4. DaveM121 Win User

    Unprotected \program files x86 folder?

    program files and program files x86

    Hi louandtootsosmundson

    The Program Files folder and the Program Files (x86) folders must be kept separate to avoid conflicts

    Window will automatically handle those folders, placing 64bit applications in the Program Files Folder and 32bit applications in the Program Files (x86) folder
     
    DaveM121, Feb 28, 2021
    #4
Thema:

Unprotected \program files x86 folder?

Loading...
  1. Unprotected \program files x86 folder? - Similar Threads - Unprotected program files

  2. Files not seen in Program Files x86 folder

    in Windows 10 Gaming
    Files not seen in Program Files x86 folder: I have a problem similar to a one already described here in a previous question link. I have installed a software called RothC downloadable from this link on Windows 11 Pro version 22H2. The program is installed in a directory under Program Files x86 folder, and it saves its...
  3. Files not seen in Program Files x86 folder

    in Windows 10 Software and Apps
    Files not seen in Program Files x86 folder: I have a problem similar to a one already described here in a previous question link. I have installed a software called RothC downloadable from this link on Windows 11 Pro version 22H2. The program is installed in a directory under Program Files x86 folder, and it saves its...
  4. Files not seen in Program Files x86 folder

    in Windows 10 Gaming
    Files not seen in Program Files x86 folder: I have installed an application in Windows 10, used for translations. I am able to create txt files in that and those get saved in Program Files x86 folder of that application. But when I go to that folder in Windows Explorer, I am not seeing anything there and hence I am not...
  5. Files not seen in Program Files x86 folder

    in Windows 10 Software and Apps
    Files not seen in Program Files x86 folder: I have installed an application in Windows 10, used for translations. I am able to create txt files in that and those get saved in Program Files x86 folder of that application. But when I go to that folder in Windows Explorer, I am not seeing anything there and hence I am not...
  6. Files not seen in Program Files x86 folder

    in Windows 10 Network and Sharing
    Files not seen in Program Files x86 folder: I have installed an application in Windows 10, used for translations. I am able to create txt files in that and those get saved in Program Files x86 folder of that application. But when I go to that folder in Windows Explorer, I am not seeing anything there and hence I am not...
  7. How to remove "Program Files" and "Program Files x86" folder?

    in Windows 10 Network and Sharing
    How to remove "Program Files" and "Program Files x86" folder?: Hi everyone,I wanted to free up some space in my SSD and move the files to my d drive. I moved the "Program Files" and "Program Files x86" to my d drive by dragging them, Now I found out that they are important to run windows and can make my computer a brick if I mess up. So...
  8. Where "Program Files x86" Folder

    in Windows 10 Network and Sharing
    Where "Program Files x86" Folder: I am using Win 10 home 64 bit version. I installed chess-7 program at http://www.styleseven.com/php/get_product.php?product=Chess-7 This program is 32 bit. The program has been installed in the folder c: \ Program files 86x \ chess-7. The * .png files that I run the program...
  9. “ENE” File folder in Program Files and Programs Files x86

    in Windows 10 Network and Sharing
    “ENE” File folder in Program Files and Programs Files x86: This is this weird file which i dont know what it does. For Program Files x86, there is this application that doesnt even do. What does this file do?...
  10. Are the Program Files and Program Files (x86) folders important?

    in Windows 10 Support
    Are the Program Files and Program Files (x86) folders important?: Hi, I was wondering how important the two mentioned folders are when installing a software. I know most programs suggest being installed to one of them, but it is really necessary? What happens if I choose another folder? I use the game client Steam for example. It...