32bit apps in Program Files in Windows XP 64 bit safe?

[amccombs]

I have Windows XP Pro 64bit. I would like to copy some 32bit applications
into the Program Files folder, which I know should be fore 64bit apps, will
running the 32bit apps be stable even though I should be running them from
the Program Files x86?

I don't see the point in having these two directories, if you install a
32bit or 64bit application in c:\ and not in the Program Files directory they
will still run, why did MSFT create more complexity for us?

Having these two folders seems more messy than clean. Why not just install
both 32bit and 64bit apps in the same Program Files directory?

 

[David B.]

Actually I quite prefer it, helps me keep track of stuff, but your app will
run from where ever you choose to install it to.