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Installation packages that use msi files may require administrative rights in Windows Vista, but it might not be obvious how to grant those rights.
I was trying to install software on Windows Vista Home Premium, but it required admin rights. It's an msi package, which doesn't include "Run as administrator" in the context menu. How do I install it?
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I'm somewhat surprised that "Run as administrator" wasn't available. I'm also somewhat surprised that the install just failed, rather than asking for permission to run as administrator - I believe that the installer can take care of that itself with your permission.
However, it is what it is, and thus we need to find a way to work around it.
The good news is that there are a couple of ways.
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What most people don't realize is that most files that have a program association can be executed directly from the command line in the Windows Command Prompt. ".msi" files are no different, and are associated with the Windows installer. That realization gives us perhaps the quickest and easiest work around to this problem.
Locate the Windows Command Prompt shortcut in your Programs menu (typically Programs -> Accessories -> Command Prompt), and right click on it:
As you can see, "Run as Administrator" is present. After confirming with the admin password, you can now use this instance of the Command Prompt to run whatever you like. Including an MSI:
C:\>
The command prompt may return immediately, but Windows Installer will also launch in a new window, with the administrative privileges it needs.
I also have to be honest and say that I don't use this approach.
For my security needs, the whole concept of confirming each time that I want to do something as administrator is overkill. Hence, I turn off user access (or account) control in Windows Vista.
If I'm logged in as a user with administrative privileges, this means two things:
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Just running the Command Prompt normally would result in it being run as administrator.
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More importantly, just running the ".msi" file, through Windows Explorer or the Command Prompt, would also give it the administrative rights it needs.
Yes, this approach bypasses some of the additional security measures built into Windows Vista, so use this approach only if you're certain that it's appropriate for your situation.
But on the other hand, realize that this approach is no less secure than logging in as an administrator in Windows XP.
Article C3527 - October 10, 2008 « »
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
February 8, 2011 5:50 PM
you are the best! it has worked!
July 25, 2011 1:02 AM
Hey nice screenshot too ?
Where did you get the screenshooter ?
December 25, 2011 8:02 AM
Wow, what a great briefs ! Thank you sir, my problem with MSI solved now. Run as administrator in W7-HP almost make me suicide. Thanks again :)
May 23, 2012 12:29 AM
Hi,
I installed msi package in windows 7 altimate that pcakage created by me. oftere install that pcakage my os was correpted. that issue killing me
November 27, 2012 1:15 AM
I'm using Standard User on machine. After right-click on cmd to 'Run as Administrator'. The cmd window title is not show 'Administrator: Command Prompts'. After open file .msi package at cmd, the installation is failed. Someone help me please..