System32
A required Microsoft Windows system directory, the System32 directory is located in either C:\Windows\System32 or C:\Winnt\system32 directory. The system32 directory contains Windows system files and program files, vital to the operation of the Windows operating system and software running in Windows. The most common types of files found in the system32 directory are DLL (dynamic-link library) and EXE (executable) files.
Often, many Microsoft Windows error messages contain the system32 directory because many of the system files Windows uses to run are stored in this directory. By itself, the system32 directory will not cause any errors, unless it is missing, of course.
If you are getting an error related to a file in the system32 directory, search the Computer Hope site for that file name. Our site may have some information and tips for helping fix the error.
Is it safe to delete the system32 folder?
No. This folder is required for Windows and the programs that run under Windows and should not be deleted. If you were to delete the system32 folder, you would encounter many Windows errors, and very possibly, Windows would not load when the computer is restarted.
Do 64-bit computers have a system32 folder?
Yes. For backward compatibility Windows computers still have a system32 folder.