Windows 7 system32 different contents depending on how its viewed

command-line-interfacedirectorytelnetwindows 7

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?

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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