I think I have a problem with my administrator account part 1

rfe777

As I'm the only one using my PC, by default I have an administrator account. However, it looks that still I cannot access some parts in Windows 7. It's like I need some " higher clearance" or something.

After doing some reading on the web I've confirmed that this "default" administrator account is indeed not a full one, and is restricted.


How can I have a full administrator account, just like on Windows XP, and finally have full access to my PC?

TIA

richc46

This account is suppoe to be for emergency use only. If you have specfic problems, just ask and we will help

Built-in Administrator Account - Enable or Disable[2]=User Accounts

Petey7

The only way to do what you describe is turn off UAC. Technically speaking you do have an admin account. UAC just makes sure your doing the changes, and not a hacker or malicious software. Its part of Microsoft's attempt to make your computer much safer from online threats. I've had UAC warnings pop up on my computer before when I wasn't doing anything on it, and I did not recognize the program that wanted to make changes, so I hit no, and during my scheduled virus scan it found a virus and removed it. Now imagine all the things that virus could have done otherwise. It could have turned off my AV, made copies of all my info, and all kinds of stuff. A lot of the time its mostly just having to click yes. Sometimes you have to run something as an administrator, but on standard accounts, it ask for the password of an admin account, and other OS's require the users password be entered every time you want to do anything. So, you do have an admin account, but Microsoft has realized what malicious software can do and has entered an extra layer of defense for your convenience. Honestly, if clicking yes or right-clicking something before running it is too much work, then imagine what ubuntu users go through. Having to type out the password constantly. And on vista the UAC was a lot worst.

CarlTR6

�� Quote: Originally Posted by rfe777

As I'm the only one using my PC, by default I have an administrator account. However, it looks that still I cannot access some parts in Windows 7. It's like I need some " higher clearance" or something.

After doing some reading on the web I've confirmed that this "default" administrator account is indeed not a full one, and is restricted.


How can I have a full administrator account, just like on Windows XP, and finally have full access to my PC?

TIA

There is no administrator account in Win 7 that is wide open like an XP administrator account. You can do anything you need to do though your default administrator account - if you know how. Take the time to learn about Win 7. It is not XP; it is a new OS. It was designed NOT to be wide open as was XP.

As Rich suggested, tell us what you are trying to accomplish and we can give you guidance. Some of us here (me) learned this the hard way.

Jimindc

I seem to have a similar problem. I am the sole user of this computer and am listed as owner/administrator. However now whenever I click on IE8 I am first asked "Do you want to allow the following prgram to make changes to your computer?". I do not seem able to restore this to the original state I had a few days ago when I was not asked this question every time I clicked on IE8. Being the Administrator does not currently allow me to adjust the "User Account Control" for some reason.

Petey7

Jimindc, did you download any add-ons for IE8? Also, your other symptoms make it sound like you have a virus on your computer. I would suggest that if you did not recently install any add-ons for IE8, you make a new thread in the Security section of the site. There are a couple people that are great at that sort of thing and I will also give you assistance once you make the new thread.

MacGyvr

�� Quote: Originally Posted by rfe777

As I'm the only one using my PC, by default I have an administrator account. However, it looks that still I cannot access some parts in Windows 7. It's like I need some " higher clearance" or something.

After doing some reading on the web I've confirmed that this "default" administrator account is indeed not a full one, and is restricted.


How can I have a full administrator account, just like on Windows XP, and finally have full access to my PC?

TIA

There are parts of the file system in Windows 7 that are junction points to other parts. An example is "Documents and Settings"...which now points to "Users". You don't need access to "Documents and Settings" because it isn't really there. It is only a pointer for older software to continue to function. Be very careful about what folders you think you need to get into. You probably don't.