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Peter
Asked: 2010-12-03 08:04:58 +0800 CST

Windows 7 system32 different contents depending on how its viewed

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Using Windows 7 x64 Enterprise. When I view C:\windows\System32 through explorer I can see telnet.exe, if I open cmd from the start menu I can use telnet. If I open C:\windows\system32\cmd.exe via Launchy (as admin or not) I can't use telnet or even see telnet after running

Running from start menu

C:\Windows\System32>dir telnet*
07/13/2009  05:39 PM            79,872 telnet.exe
           1 File(s)         79,872 bytes

Running from Launchy

C:\Windows\System32>dir telnet*
           File Not Found

Anyone know why the contents of the folder change depending on how it is viewed?

command-line-interface windows-7 telnet directory

1 Answers

  1. Best Answer

    As Zoredache said, you may be using two different versions of command prompt.

    Windows 7 x64 has something called WOW64 which allows 32 bit applications to run on the 64 bit OS in compatibility mode.

    I suppose Launchy is a 32 bit application. (Open task Manager and in processes tab see if Launchy's process is shown as Launchy.exe*32. If yes it is running under WOW64)

    Windows transparently replaces System32 for 32 bit applications with C:\Windows\SysWOW64 folder. This is a folder with 32 bit variants of common windows applications like cmd and regedit present in system32. Telnet may not be present in SysWOW64. Hence the issue you are facing.

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