Re: Administrator Privlages

"Sawdust46" <Sawdust46@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote
I am trying to download my isp's software (AT&T yahoo). When doing so it
states that I have to have adminstrator privlages to download. I AM the
administrator of this computer. I both am the only user and I have checked
under user accounts and the administrator box is checked. It also states
under users that my account is the administrator. I am being told that it is
a third party software doing it and that I will have to format my hardrive
and start from scratch. I am conerned about recovering paid for programs if
I do this. Is there a solution to this?

Sorry I don't know the resolution to your question but let me add some information. First there is no need for the ISP's software to use their connection to the internet. Use internet explorer or Firefox or whatever browser you want, and whatever email client you want such as Outlook Express, Outlook, Thunderbird, Eudora, etc.

Secondly it is not good practice to be using the built in Administrator account for day to day activities. If something happens to that account, then you might loose the ability to login to the computer. Best practice is create at least one other account with admin privileges and as many other limited user accounts as you need, and use one of those for day to day activities. Assign a strong password to the built in Administrator account, then set it aside to be used only if something damages the other account with admin privileges.

Note that once another account with admin privileges is created the built in Administrator account is hidden. To login to that account, if XP Pro, at the Welcome Screen do Ctrl-Alt-Del twice to bring up the classic login dialog box. Enter Administrator and it's password.

For XP Home you need to start in Safe Mode. The Administrator account will then appear on the Welcome screen.

You can copy the data and settings from the current Administrator account to the new account with admin privileges. Here are some links on how to create, configure and copy a user account.

HOW TO Create and Configure User Accounts in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=279783

How to Copy a User Profile
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/win_xp_logon.htm

--
Rock [MS-MVP User/Shell]

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