SHGetSpecialFolderPath, how to access 64bit CSIDL from 32bit application

StackOverflow https://stackoverflow.com/questions/1305286

  •  19-09-2019
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Question

Is there a way from a 32bit application running on a 64bit system to have access to the default folders for 64bit applications?

For example, using SHGetSpecialFolderPath with CSIDL_PROGRAM_FILES from a 32bit application returns "C:\Program Files (x86)' If the same call was used from a 64bit application, I would get "C:\Program Files". Is there a way of getting that "C:\Program Files" from a 32bit application?

A related question here does not help SHGetFolderPath() 32 bit vs 64 bit nor does supressing the wow64 filesystem redirection before calling SHGetSpecialFolderPath

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Solution

Answering my own question, it seems it is not possible with SHGetSpecialFolderPath. In Vista and later, using the replacement function SHGetKnownFolderPath allows it with FOLDERID_ProgramFilesX64

OTHER TIPS

I believe the whole reason for having separate folders was to prevent 32 and 64 bit applications from mixing. Therefore, you shouldn't need to see a folder belonging to a different bitness from your application.

You may have a very good reason, but I don't see one in your question as posted.

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