Question Win11: The .exe file in the "Programs (X86)" won't work but one in the Windows folder does?

Skyzoomer · Feb 5, 2025

This is the first time something like this has happened to me in all of the years I've been using Windows. Is it common place?

Running Win11 in a new build PC. I downloaded a "Epson Scan software and driver combo" file for my Epson V37 scanner from the Epson website. Then I installed the combo.

Making a long story short, I discovered that the "escndv.exe" file in "C:\Program Files (X86)\epson\escndv\escndv.exe" does not work.
But the one in "C:\Windows\twain_32\escndv\escndv.exe" does work.
(The escndv.exe is the Epson Scan software.)

Note that the escndv.exe in the "twain_32\escndv" folder has other supporting files in the same folder. So apparently the escndv.exe file will only work if it is in a folder with supporting files.

Have you seen a similar occurrence before where the .exe file in "Program Files" or "Program Files (X86)" did not work but the driver installation created a separate folder with supporting files that allows the .exe file to work? It's a first time experience for me.

C1 · Feb 6, 2025

From my experience, what you are seeing is quite common for an installed program, particularly a scanner type program (ie, twain driver). Mainly, the installed program adds the needed mandatory ancillary suopport programs/utilities along with establishing the path for such programs/utilities.

In general, once you install a program, you need to record the folder in which it installs then run execute the ".exe" main program from there. (Best practise.)

Some programs will allow an installation to specify the path/place to install, but from my experience scanners assume installation in the reserved twain_32 folder.

Where is the TWAIN driver folder?
"C:\Windows\twain_32 folder" is a folder where your scanner drivers resides. So, when you install a twain driver, it should install its files into this folder. When you start your scanner program to scan from some device, It will internally call "Data Source Manager"(DSM). This DSM is already in your windows - PC.Mar 30, 2017

Skyzoomer · Feb 6, 2025

C1 said:
From my experience, what you are seeing is quite common for an installed program, particularly a scanner type program (ie, twain driver). Mainly, the installed program adds the needed mandatory ancillary suopport programs/utilities along with establishing the path for such programs/utilities.

In general, once you install a program, you need to record the folder in which it installs then run execute the ".exe" main program from there. (Best practise.)

Some programs will allow an installation to specify the path/place to install, but from my experience scanners assume installation in the reserved twain_32 folder.

Where is the TWAIN driver folder?
"C:\Windows\twain_32 folder" is a folder where your scanner drivers resides. So, when you install a twain driver, it should install its files into this folder. When you start your scanner program to scan from some device, It will internally call "Data Source Manager"(DSM). This DSM is already in your windows - PC.Mar 30, 2017

Thanks for your response.

Question Win11: The .exe file in the "Programs (X86)" won't work but one in the Windows folder does?

Skyzoomer

Senior member

C1

Platinum Member

Skyzoomer

Senior member

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