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Run as Administrator

16 years ago

I have a computer running Windows Vista. Sometimes when I do stuff like update an anti-malware program or try to delete files/folders, I get a message that the operation can only be done by the Administrator...which is me, and no one else is a user on this machine. Is there a setting I can change so the computer understands that I'm the boss, and I can quit having to fool around with this step?

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Comments (5)

mikie_gw
16 years ago
You can disable it by going to Control Panel / Users, your account;
'Turn User Account Control on or off...'

But you don't want to do that.
It does that for valid security reasons.
kudzu9
Original Author
16 years ago
mikie-
One other related thing. Is User Account Control also the function that brings up the permission window that you have to click when you want to install new software? The reason I ask is that I don't mind that, and on one or two occasions it has prevented a Trojan from installing a program that got by my antivirus program. I just get annoyed by the demand to "Run as Administrator." So if I turn off User Control, do I also lose the software install permission control? Thanks.
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that is part of the UAC which is an integral part of windows 7 it is that way for your own protection and removing it or altering it can risk opening you up to intrusions. Guided Help: Adjust User Account Control settings in Windows 7 I would caution changing these settings, I would not go below B. User Account Control as a linux user I am very familiar with these kinds of pop ups because in linux you are using the system as a limited user, anytime you need to do things that would affect the system it will pop up and ask for your user name and password to be able to access those types of changes. That is how windows 7 is now operating, this is a much safer method. This keeps someone from just sitting at your computer and making all kinds of changes and program additions which could be dangerous. Usually all you have to do is right click and choose run as administrator. as always a great place for any new windows 7 user is the 7 forums Configure Windows 7 UAC
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
16 years ago
you really do not want to turn off that aspect of Vista it is one of the security changes that was made beginning with Vista, we often urge people to run as limited users on all their machines but it just was not happening so they set it up so you have to run that way,unless of course you change it, partly for your safety. In linux everything is done that way. Very little can get past you onto your pc if you leave UAC set as it is.

There are some adjustments you can do to it if you insist but I agree why would you. Just don't disable it because that disables some other features also.

"There are 9 settings within Windows Vista Local Security Policy that can be configured to modify how UAC works and in what instances the prompt for elevation consent will appear. Rather than just turning UAC off, take a look at the Vista UAC policy settings and try customizing the behavior of UAC to strike a balance between security and usability that you are comfortable with. If you need help understanding what the settings do or what they mean, take a look at User Account Control (UAC) Policy Settings Explained. "
UAC (User Account Control) Policy Settings Explained
How to change Vista User Account Control (UAC) settings

Proceed with caution and remember this was done for a reason.
mikie_gw
16 years ago
Kudzu, turning off User Access Control still allows programs to install for Admin users.
DA_Mccoy
16 years ago
I use to promote leaving UAC activated as a step in continuing system protection. Then I came to realize that I am the only user on this system who downloads, installs or does anything intricate on the system. Mrs. DA only views the Internet on a very casual basis. I subsequently turned my UAC off and it wasn't even annoying me.

Now I only promote its use on multi-user systems or for those with limited experience.

DA

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