Windows 10: Installing Programs into "Mock" Program Files (x86)?

So I've been doing this for three years now without ever stopping to ask if it was a smart idea. I have a laptop that came with a 256 GB SSD (the C: drive onto which Windows was installed) and a 1TB SSHD (which came defined as the D: drive). I noticed the C: drive was getting clogged up pretty quick, so within 6 months of getting the laptop I created two new folders: "D:/Program Files" and "D:/Program Files (x86)". I didn't mess with regedit or anything else fancy, I just made these two folders and any time a new piece of software, game, etc. wanted to install into the default Program Files or x86 folder I simply changed the install folder to the D: drive equivalent I had made.

Question is, was this a dumb thing to do? In the past 2 months I've had some pretty major issues with my laptop (display drivers acting up, internal speakers no longer functioning requiring me to flash the BIOS, certain games installed on the D: drive not playing audio if Sonic Suite 3 is running, etc.) and I'm wondering if these mock Program Files folders are causing these or could cause other issues. Very relevant because I plan on building a new PC in the coming weeks and want to know if I should or shouldn't repeat this same file structure.

Any and all feedback welcome!

submitted by /u/IAmTheClayman
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:)

 

Partitioning Program Files/Program Files(x86) from Windows 10 install?

In the coming week I will be installing Windows 10 Home on my new computer. I will be using an SSD and an HDD, the SSD for the OS, programs and games and the HDD for photos, music and all the other slow stuff.
So, my question. In case the OS were to ever get corrupted, or I had to reinstall the OS for any other reason, is it possible to have the SSD set up as follows; Partition 1 - OS, Partition 2 - Program Files/Program Files((x86) plus other associated folders/files) and Partition 3 for my games, so that any re-install does not wipe out my already installed programs?

I had no problem doing this in with my XP desktop(OS in C and Progs in D, although not perfect, but was never able to do it with Windows 7.

Can it be done?

Tom.

 

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

 

Windows 10 - installing to Program Files folder instead of Program Files (x86)

Ok I will try that - many thanks. I may also try to make a ghost copy in Program Files to see if it will allow me to copy over and still run it from that folder. Thanks for the suggestion!