In 64-bit Windows systems, there is a very mysterious folder "Sysnative", you can not go to access it through Explorer, even if you can not find it, but it plays a very important role. Here we have to talk about it.
32-bit and 64-bit Windows
In widespread use X86 architecture CPU era, with systems, applications are 32-bit (32-bit may fairly high), with the development of science and technology, AMD X64 and 64-bit Windows / applications began to emerge in our lives in. 64-bit Windows, with its characteristic large memory support, and quickly occupied the market.
But almost no early 64-bit applications, if not compatible with 32-bit applications on 64-bit operating system, it may be a waste of Windows ecosystem development in recent decades, it is compatible with 64-bit operating system on 32-bit applications is a must do.
Windows that is how to do it?
When you start a 32-bit application on 64-bit Windows, when a 32-bit emulator will be called up to perform this 32-bit applications, the simulator will think they run this application on a 32-bit on Windows, all features are enabled and working properly. Everything looks normal use, but the question is, if the application you want to access special folders it?
Prior to this, we need to understand Windows-compatible 32-bit applications do some special folders:
It should be mentioned that the System32 folder, do not look behind him there is a 32, which is essentially used to put 64-bit applications. (Said to be because the previous program many of which are hard-coded to System32, so Microsoft in order to facilitate the major developers will migrate 32-bit applications to 64-bit directly retained this name); SysWOW64 actually used to hold 32-bit applications folder. WOW64 is full: Windows on Windows64.
Well, we are back to that question just now how to do this if you want 32-bit applications to access a real System32 folder? (Direct access to 32-bit applications in the System32 folder will be redirected to the SysWOW64 folder to go)
The answer of course is: SysNative. For example, I would like to have access to 64-bit SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe in 32 applications, I essentially write the code inside should be:% windir% / sysnative / SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe
Sysnative have any special?
• The folder is actually a virtual folder, unlike the WOW64 is a real folder
• Sysnative not visible, a large part of the reason is because explorer.exe is a 64-bit application
• because Sysnative, also at 32 Code-bit applications inside 64-bit applications to access a
• registry has a similar structure WOW64
• support for Windows Vista and above
Reference links:
1. https://www.samlogic.net/articles/32-64-bit-windows-folder-x86-syswow64.htm
2. https://www.samlogic.net/articles/sysnative-folder- 64-bit-windows.htm