Correct way to install software on XP box? 1

[donutman]

I've just started using XP Pro and I want to avoid the problems that I've have had with the few w2k workstations when installing software for use by non-administrators.
So is there anything "special" about installing software to be used by a lowly user instead of an administrator? Sorry I can't be more specific about the trouble that I've had in the past, but it had something to do with installing the software while administrator and then it wouldn't work as a normal user. Yet, as I recall, I couldn't install it as a user.
What's the skinny on this.
-Karl

[red] Cursors, triggers and user-defined functions are an axis of evil![/red]
[green]Life's uncertain...eat dessert first...www.deerfieldbakery.com[/green]

 

[gpalmer711]

I know what you are talking about, Microsoft have tried to solve this with windows XP. However alot of this is to do with the way the individual applications handle the operating system.

If you do experience this problem the way I have got around this before is to give the user(s) admin rights while the software is being installed, then revoke the users back to the level they were at before.

Greg Palmer
Free Software for Adminstrators

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk

 

[linney]

Any programs that you install with the "Windows XP" Logo should run with out too many problems for Limited Users. Older programs are where you might have problems.

294676 - HOW TO: Enable and Use the "Run As" Command When Running Programs in Windows

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;294676&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

See "To start a program as an administrator" in the Help and Support program.

Always Install With Elevated Privileges. (Group Policy)

You can use Group Policy to direct Windows Installer to use system permissions when it installs any program on the system.

( local computer policy->computer configuration->administrative templates->windows components->windows installer)


This setting extends elevated privileges to all programs. These privileges are usually reserved for programs that have been assigned to the user (offered on the desktop), assigned to the computer (installed automatically), or made available in Add or Remove Programs in Control Panel. This setting lets users install programs that require access to directories that the user might not have permission to view or change, including directories on highly restricted computers.

If you disable this setting or do not configure it, the system applies the current user's permissions when it installs programs that a system administrator does not distribute or offer.

Note: This setting appears both in the Computer Configuration and User Configuration folders. To make this setting effective, you must enable the setting in both folders.

Caution: Skilled users can take advantage of the permissions this setting grants to change their privileges and gain permanent access to restricted files and folders. Note that the User Configuration version of this setting is not guaranteed to be secure.



DO not request alternate credentials. (Group Policy)

(User Configuration/Administrative Templates/ Windows Components/ Windows Explorer)


Prevents users from submitting alternate logon credentials to install a program.

This setting suppresses the "Install Program As Other User" dialog box for local and network installations. This dialog box, which prompts the current user for the user name and password of an administrator, appears when users who are not administrators try to install programs locally on their computers. This setting allows administrators who have logged on as regular users to install programs without logging off and logging on again using their administrator credentials.

 

[donutman]

Thanks linney

[red] Cursors, triggers and user-defined functions are an axis of evil![/red]
[green]Life's uncertain...eat dessert first...www.deerfieldbakery.com[/green]