Basics of the Windows 7 file and folder structure


Windows runs from the number of files and folders on your computer's hard disk. The fundamental folder structure is very logical and it has been simplified immensely through the years. You will find three basic Windows 7 folders with a few extra folders for user and configuration data and temporary files.

Program Files This is when all of the files for just about any programs and software you put in in Windows 7 sit. There's two Program Files folders in the 64-bit version of Windows 7:

Program Files - x86 for 32-bit software and Program Files for newer 64-bit software. Each program sits in its custom folder under one of those folders. In the 32-bit version, there's merely a Program Files folder.

Users - This is when, automatically, all your documents and files sit, which is also the place of the Windows registry, the database of settings for Windows and your software. Inside the main Users folder, there's one subfolder for each user and the other folder called Public, where shared files and folders are kept. There's also hidden user folders called Default and all sorts of Users.

Windows - This is actually the main folder into that the operating system is installed. Windows also installs hidden system files over the disk, such as the Root folder.

These hidden files and folders are where Windows stores operating system recovery software and folders to aid legacy software, including Documents and Settings and also the Autoexec.bat and Config.sys files that go as far back towards the earliest versions of DOS.

Within the main Windows folder are a good a variety of folders, most of which exist to keep compatibility with legacy hardware and software plus some which service specific features inside the operating system.

Many of these files and folders are crucial, and you ought to not move, rename, or delete them. Folders you will probably find of particular interest range from the following.

Globalization - This is when there is a desktop wallpapers in Windows.

Resources - This can be a similar folder to Globalization but is perfect for Windows desktop themes.

System32 - The primary operating system files, including hardware device drivers, can be found in this folder.

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Note: This article was sent to us by: Jonathan Kelly at 05282011

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