[Master T]

1. I have set an account as a limited user in Windows XP. It has to temporarily run as an administrator when he wants to install a program. Most of the time it works but I encountered a few cases where the programs have problems or simply doesn't run in limited user account. What can I do to fix or minimize those problems?

2. Sometimes a program installs but only install on that user, in this case, it would be the administrator, so the limited-user account can't run that program. What can I do to instruct the program to install on all users? Thank you.

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Question #1...
There is nothing you can do if a limited account doesn't have the abilities to be able to install a program. Some installers will only install if they are launched when you are an admin. The only thing you can do is to change the limited account to one with admin privileges.

Question #2...
Depends on what program you want to install to all users. What program do you need help with?

[edge2022]

Question #1...
There is nothing you can do if a limited account doesn't have the abilities to be able to install a program. Some installers will only install if they are launched when you are an admin. The only thing you can do is to change the limited account to one with admin privileges.

Question #2...
Depends on what program you want to install to all users. What program do you need help with?

[Master T]

Question #1...
There is nothing you can do if a limited account doesn't have the abilities to be able to install a program. Some installers will only install if they are launched when you are an admin. The only thing you can do is to change the limited account to one with admin privileges.

The problem is NOT I can't install it. I use "run as..." to log in temporarily as an admin to install the program, but the program doesn't work or run properly in limited user account.

Question #2...
Depends on what program you want to install to all users. What program do you need help with?

This is the example.

[edge2022]

I don't know why the program wouldn't run properly or at all in a limited account. Try creating another account and see if the problem can be replicated.

As for the program... I can install, run, and uninstall it fine (I only have 1 user account - admin)
You would want to ask the developers how to install it for all users... post in the forums or send an e-mail from here: http://eng.softq.org/

[Master T]

I don't know why the program wouldn't run properly or at all in a limited account. Try creating another account and see if the problem can be replicated.

I know what's wrong about this program. It doesn't install on all users. That's why it doesn't work even if it doesn't need admin privileges to run. Clearly this program works on the admin account but not on the limited user account.

This freeware is more than 2 years old since last update so I guess the developer may have abandoned it. By the way tell me a better alternative if you know.

I don't use it personally (well, others use it so I test it) but this program shows you one of the reasons why programs sometimes don't work in LUA. I'm interested to know a generic solution which can solve this kind of problems.

[edge2022]

A generic solution would be to make every user an admin, or to just have 1 user account (that is how I do it).

Would something like this work: http://www.foldermar...marker-free.php ?

[Master T]

A generic solution would be to make every user an admin, or to just have 1 user account (that is how I do it).

Would something like this work: http://www.foldermar...marker-free.php ?

But that neglects the benefits offered by LUA, that is security:
Security Fix - The Importance of the Limited User, Revisited

Running as admin account all the time is not good security wise.
Rootkit is probably one of the most scariest malware which is able to hide itself completely. It's completely invisible to the operating system. LUA effectively and proactively defeat rootkits. There are other security benefits too. You may want to check it out.

Would something like this work: http://www.foldermar...marker-free.php ?

Do you personally use it? If so, do you know if it adds a column like this in Windows Explorer:


Hmm... as the name suggests, the customization seems to work for folders only. He would like to mark files as important/private/casual etc.

[edge2022]

Running as admin account all the time is not good security wise.
Rootkit is probably one of the most scariest malware which is able to hide itself completely. It's completely invisible to the operating system. LUA effectively and proactively defeat rootkits. There are other security benefits too. You may want to check it out.

If you are using a good firewall and have good AV protection, running as an admin will not mean that you are much more susceptible to malware. I have never been infected in about... never. What will protect you the most, is safe surfing habits. Using a limited account, there are some very intrusive problems (like yours).

I suggest using Avast for your AV suite: http://www.avast.com...avast-home.html
Use Comodo as your firewall: http://www.comodo.co...ty/firewall.php
Use Malwarebytes as your malware scanner (run once a week): http://www.malwarebytes.org/
Use SuperAntiSpyware as your spyware scanner (run once a week): http://www.superantispyware.com/
Use Firefox as your browser: http://en-us.www.mozilla.com/en-US/
And use these addons for more protection and to make sure you browse safely...
WOT: https://addons.mozil...efox/addon/3456
Adblock Plus: https://addons.mozil...efox/addon/1865

How does using a limited account prevent rootkits from being introduced? EDIT: Nevermind about the rootkits... a LUA only prevents kernel mode rootkits from running but does nothing to stop user mode rootkits. Security products are needed to keep you safe.

I don't use Foldermarker myself but I think it can only mark folders.
The devs for Shedko Badges may still be around, try contacting them.

Even though using a limited user can make you safer, your computer can still be infected. Using a LUA can help against malware, but the inconvenience is too much for me to use a limited account.

Edited by edge2022, 20 July 2009 - 10:57 AM.