What is application data folder?

[josef]

I am working on a Win XP Pro. I have admin rights and there is a limited
profile.
On the limited profile desktop there is an icon for a program (program
not needed to be mentioned at this time) This program points to and is in
the application data folder.
I did not install this program. It is not on the admin desktop nor is it
in the add/remove or the program files folder.
What is the Application data folder and can a limited user install a
program?
For now I am trying to understand this folder and am looking further into
this program.

 

[R. McCarty]

You're referring to the system wide profile called All Users. The
Application Data folder is used to store globally applicable data
for programs. You'll likely find sub-folders with program names
such as Adobe, Microsoft and others. All Users contains items
that are shared by all profiles on the computer. Modifying any of
the items found in this path apply to all account holders.