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Summary: Many programs require that you be administrator in order to install. If you're not, you have few options. Most boil down to: be the administrator.
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I'm trying to run in a "safe" limited user account, but I often find that I need to install something - which I can't. Is there a way I can install software on my machine without having to be the administrator? |
This can be a very frustrating situation, I know. I have machines where the primary account is an administrator simply because of the frequent irritation of application updates and installations that require it.
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I will cut to the chase and say that if an application you're attempting to install is failing because you're not the administrator your only recourse is to login as the administrator. Or perhaps not install the application at all.
In other words, you're basically screwed.
The big variable is the program that you're attempting to install. They fall into three buckets:
Programs that don't need administrative access and don't ask for it. They just install or update happily as needed.
Programs that do need administrative access. I at least understand these programs. Perhaps they're installing or updating device drivers, secure areas of the system or registry, or who knows what. Basically the whole point of running as a limited user is to prevent this kind of access by accident. It makes sense that they would be blocked and warrant the extra scrutiny of someone who would login as administrator.
Programs that don't need administrative access and ask for it anyway. Why, for example, do I have to be administrator to update MSN Instant Messenger? This is the frustrating bucket.
One clarification: even though I've said program's "ask" for administrative access, under Windows XP, at least that's really just a simplification. Most just try to do something administrative in nature, and that either works or fails if the user isn't logged in as administrator.
Now there's a very strong argument that installing any software should be totally restricted to administrators. I'd even go along with that if it weren't so darned impractical under XP. It seems every day or so something wants to update, requiring that the user logout from their limited user account and login as administrator. (Or wait until the person with administrative access can do so.)
The good news is that I believe that there's hope on the horizon.
Much like Linux and the Mac, rather than forcing you to log out and log in as administrator, Windows Vista will prompt you for the Administrative password if administrative access is needed. Yes, you still need to know that password, so it's not a free ticket for the kids to install something that mom or dad have hopefully protected the computer against. But it is a step in the right direction to both secure the system while minimizing the inconvenience.
I know that this "feature" of Vista tends to pop up a little too often for some people, but when it comes to installing software, the approach makes sense to me.
Related:
Ask Leo! - Are Limited User Accounts effective?
Ask Leo! - How do I get administrative privileges on Windows XP?
Article C3139 - September 4, 2007
I agree with Ken and Simon regarding exe's but when the program is a .msi install file you won'nt find the runas option when u right click on the icon.No problem write the runas command to start a command prompt(cmd.exe) remember the command prompt with admin previleges is a powerful tool its true that this command line cannot do a list of simle things.Ok this is the command >runas /env /user:administrator "cmd.exe" if you are in a domain and need domain admin previleges then the command >runas /env /user:mydomain\administrator "cmd.exe" These will open a command line with admin previleges then simply navigate to the .msi file and type >msiexec /i myapplication.msi .That's it its very simple!.Always remember that it is a good practice to use the machine with a restricted user previlege account to avoid attacks from viruses,hackers,malware... .etc.Read this article for more information.It also provides you a solution as to how you should run programs that need an administrator previlege. http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-us/windows_security_whynot_admin.mspx?mfr=true
Posted by: Taha at September 9, 2007 11:13 PMI have to tell you, I once tried running in a limited account but it turned out to be more of a hassle than it was worth, I feel if you use due diligence handling downloads(like scanning every file multiple times before trusting it), you've covered your ass pretty good. It seems to me that for a home user to run a limited account is abit paranoid, I don't think I've ever installed a program w/o knowing it...lol
Posted by: David at September 10, 2007 10:52 PMI am a developer that has always used a limited account for everything I don't need Administrator privileges for. I prefer to use the Administrator account to install software since I hope that the software will install for "All Users".
Posted by: Sam Hobbs at December 19, 2007 10:16 AMIf say one day I log into my windows XP Packg.II,
Posted by: Kelly S. S. at July 20, 2008 9:09 PMAnd I TRY to change my mothers Picture Icon, & Her desktop to another picture; Something she can't do for herself, I am the 'ADMINISTRATOR', BUT........I have NO IDEA HOW I got this 'Frustrating ADMINISTRATOR' Thing Opened in the first place?! HOW Can I Remove Myself as the ADMINISTRATOR?? Please. It's driving me, and Mother CRAZY!!
Thanks,
Kelly S.S.
Its no great shakes in XP to simply switch user and and log in as Administrator to instal the MSI (as I did two minutes ago), log out of Administrator and back to your regular user account.
In answer to Kelly SS, set yourself up as a Poweruser and leave the Administrator account hidden.
Posted by: NickBark at July 30, 2008 3:36 PMhow I install Massanger yahoo without administrator installtion
Posted by: tamer at November 2, 2008 10:34 AMI am the only user on this *)#@ Vista machine, and when running certain programs I get the message "Need Administrator Privileges". I AM The administrator and there is only one user account, mine! How do I get around this ?
Posted by: Sam J. at November 10, 2008 3:50 PMI try to download veterans forms and vista want let me, how can I get through this block.
Posted by: ken swor at November 25, 2008 5:00 AMHow can i install winrar on my pc. actually i have a limited account in server.
Posted by: Ahmed Ziyadh at December 28, 2008 2:01 AMThis post is not helpful to those who searching for a solution to install a program without administrator privilages. please look for something else.
20-May-2009