When a 32-bit process tries to update a string value with a new value that contains the %ProgramFiles% string, the %ProgramFiles% string is converted to the %ProgramFiles(x86)% string in a 64-bit environment

You are using a 32-bit process in a 64-bit Windows environment. When the 32-bit process tries to update a string value in the Registry with a new value that contains the %ProgramFiles% string, the %ProgramFiles% string is converted to the %ProgramFiles(x86)% string. This problem occurs in the x64-based versions of the following Microsoft operating systems:

• Windows Server 2003
• Windows Vista
• Windows Server 2008
• Windows XP Professional x64 Edition

When a 32-bit process runs in the Windows 32-bit on Windows 64-bit (WoW64) environment, the environment variables are changed for compatibility. Therefore, when a 32-bit process tries to update a registry entry that has a string value, and the new value contains the %ProgramFiles% string, the %ProgramFiles% string is converted to the %ProgramFiles(x86)% string.

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft. However, it is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Customer Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

Prerequisites

To apply this hotfix, you must be running Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2, Windows Vista Service Pack 1, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition Service Pack 2, or Windows Server 2008.

Restart requirement

You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, x64-based versions and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition with Service Pack 2

Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 2, Itanium-based versions

Windows Server 2008, x64-based versions and Windows Vista with Service Pack 1, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2008, Itanium-based versions

Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 file information notes

The .manifest files and the .mum files that are installed in each environment are listed separately in the "Additional file information for Windows Server 2008 and for Windows Vista" section. These files and their associated .cat (security catalog) files are critical to maintaining the state of the updated component. The .cat files are signed with a Microsoft digital signature. The attributes of these security files are not listed.

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

The hotfix sets a flag in the process environment block (PEB). Therefore, the WoW64 emulation layer examines this flag before the Wow64 emulation layer redirects the %ProgramFiles% string to the %ProgramFiles(x86)% string.

For more information about software update terminology, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: -

Additional file information for Windows Server 2008 and for Windows Vista

Additional file information for Windows Vista with Service Pack 1, x64-based versions and for Windows Server 2008, x64-based versions

Additional file information for Windows Server 2008, Itanium-based versions

For more information about the WoW64 emulation layer, visit the following Microsoft Web sites:

• http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/system/platform/64bit/WoW64_bestprac.mspx
• http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa384274.aspx

For more information about how to access an alternate registry view, visit the following Microsoft Web site: