I know I'm the administrator, but....

When I first set up my computer I set myself up as administrator. I don't
remember having any other troubles doing anything, but today I tried to
download a file directly to a folder I created in "Program Files" and I got a
message that said "You need permission from the administrator to do that."

To tell you the truth, I no longer remember how to check to see if I am an
administrator, and from reading some other posts here, it doesn't seem like
that even matters sometimes! What do I do?

Update from Angelique:

I just checked, and yes, I'm the sole user and administrator for this
computer.

Angelique

A couple of things when using Vista.

Even though you are using an administrator account, you are still running as
a standard user until you intentionally elevate a function to use your full
administrator privileges.

There are areas that are heavily restricted in Vista, due to the new
security model. Areas such as C:\, Program Files, C:\Windows, and certain
parts of the registry are the heavily restricted folders because these areas
affect all users on the computer.

If you want to create new folders and download files, these folders should
be created in your user folder area. Create the folders in C:\Users\your
name\new folder.

--

Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User


"Angelique" <> wrote in message
news0ADBD98-F235-4BC8-A8C7-...
> Update from Angelique:
>
> I just checked, and yes, I'm the sole user and administrator for this
> computer.

"Ronnie Vernon MVP" wrote:

> Angelique
>
> A couple of things when using Vista.
>
> Even though you are using an administrator account, you are still running as
> a standard user until you intentionally elevate a function to use your full
> administrator privileges.

How can I do that?

On Thu, 4 Oct 2007 10:34:02 -0700, Angelique wrote:

> "Ronnie Vernon MVP" wrote:
>
>> Angelique
>>
>> A couple of things when using Vista.
>>
>> Even though you are using an administrator account, you are
>> still running as a standard user until you intentionally elevate
>> a function to use your full administrator privileges.
>
> How can I do that?

It usually happens automatically when you click one of those 'do you
want to proceed' boxes.

--
Chris Game

"A witty saying proves nothing." -- Voltaire

Angelique

Whenever you start a program or application that requires administrator
privileges, you should see a pop-up dialog box that asks for your permission
to run the program. You must have the User Account Control component enbled
for this to work properly.

This is designed so that you can run as a standard user (more secure) and
still have an easy way to elevate a program that needs your administrator
privileges.

--

Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User


"Angelique" <> wrote in message
news:658BA655-C92F-4F88-B1A4-...
> "Ronnie Vernon MVP" wrote:
>
>> Angelique
>>
>> A couple of things when using Vista.
>>
>> Even though you are using an administrator account, you are still running
>> as
>> a standard user until you intentionally elevate a function to use your
>> full
>> administrator privileges.
>
> How can I do that?

So, how to access the "SYSTEM" owned files & folders. What is the fastest way
to change the 'Ownership' from "SYSTEM" to 'User'..?


"Ronnie Vernon MVP" wrote:

> Angelique
>
> Whenever you start a program or application that requires administrator
> privileges, you should see a pop-up dialog box that asks for your permission
> to run the program. You must have the User Account Control component enbled
> for this to work properly.
>
> This is designed so that you can run as a standard user (more secure) and
> still have an easy way to elevate a program that needs your administrator
> privileges.
>
> --
>
> Ronnie Vernon
> Microsoft MVP
> Windows Shell/User
>
>
> "Angelique" <> wrote in message
> news:658BA655-C92F-4F88-B1A4-...
> > "Ronnie Vernon MVP" wrote:
> >
> >> Angelique
> >>
> >> A couple of things when using Vista.
> >>
> >> Even though you are using an administrator account, you are still running
> >> as
> >> a standard user until you intentionally elevate a function to use your
> >> full
> >> administrator privileges.
> >
> > How can I do that?
>
>

On Thu, 4 Oct 2007 19:49:01 -0700, Officeboy
<> wrote:

>So, how to access the "SYSTEM" owned files & folders. What is the fastest way
>to change the 'Ownership' from "SYSTEM" to 'User'..?
>
>
>"Ronnie Vernon MVP" wrote:
>
>> Angelique
>>
>> Whenever you start a program or application that requires administrator
>> privileges, you should see a pop-up dialog box that asks for your permission
>> to run the program. You must have the User Account Control component enbled
>> for this to work properly.
>>
>> This is designed so that you can run as a standard user (more secure) and
>> still have an easy way to elevate a program that needs your administrator
>> privileges.
>>
>> --
>>
>> Ronnie Vernon
>> Microsoft MVP
>> Windows Shell/User
>>
>>
>> "Angelique" <> wrote in message
>> news:658BA655-C92F-4F88-B1A4-...
>> > "Ronnie Vernon MVP" wrote:
>> >
>> >> Angelique
>> >>
>> >> A couple of things when using Vista.
>> >>
>> >> Even though you are using an administrator account, you are still running
>> >> as
>> >> a standard user until you intentionally elevate a function to use your
>> >> full
>> >> administrator privileges.
>> >
>> > How can I do that?
>>
>>
Tnere are several ways in which to accomplish what you want.

The fastest way would be to turn off UAC in your Account settings,
then reboot. Most folks behind hardware firewalls or routers are
usually just as safe without it turned on, unless they intentionally
engage in dangerous behavior. However, even with UAC turned off, the
OS will STILL deny you access to some files and folders, such as
Restore folders, etc.

Another way is to install a third-party utility like TweakVi, which
will turn it off for you (temporarily or permanently), or enable you
to bypass elevation demands automatically, while still keeping it
turned on.

But I've found that unless you also turn off the Windows Defender
Service, you will still be faced with elevation demands and denials,
especially if you try to access compatibility links such as "My
Computer", "My Pictures", "My Music", and "My Videos", or attempt to
install software for which WD has no signature. My personal name for
Windows Defender is "Windows Preventor", since it seems to prevent
more than it allows.

To access your user data without denials, just access them through the
alias "C:\Computer\Users\yourusername\suchandsuchfileorf older".

To access the Programs and Windows folders, take Owner control of
them.

If you are really serious about the whole matter, simply give yourself
Ownership of the entire HD. Make sure your account has FULL CONTROL
w/ SPECIAL PERMISSIONS.

**** NOTE ***
The last suggestion is VERY DANGEROUS, since it passes control over
some system files the System needs control over to the user. I do not
suggest you do it, unless you like to debug your OS installation
continually.

Donald McDaniel