[Trickster999]

Sometimes when I run Spyware search & destroy it says I don't have full admin privileges, also said that when I tried to update Vuze - it was my mate that set this computer up as we used a copied version of Windows 7 but he didn't set himself up as an administrator - it's just in my name.

[LION8TIGER]

I'm on XP but I presume 7 will be similar.

Control Panel, User Accounts, change an account, choose the one with your name and click 'change my account type' choose computer administrator. So long as a password has not been set already for administrator.
Maybe its not so easy on 7, don't know.

[Trickster999]

Originally Posted by LION8TIGER

I'm on XP but I presume 7 will be similar.

Control Panel, User Accounts, change an account, choose the one with your name and click 'change my account type' choose computer administrator. So long as a password has not been set already for administrator.
Maybe its not so easy on 7, don't know.

Its already set to me as administrator.

It does say, via administrative tools/use accounts the following:

Administrator - built in account for administering
Guest - built in account for guest access (I presume thats my mate who set up my pc - this acct is switched to "off")
Home Group - Home group users
John Mclane = nothing wrote by the side of my name unlike the above

[Stig]

Originally Posted by Trickster999

we used a copied version of Windows 7

Originally Posted by Trickster999

John Mclane

Are you sure you want it disclose that?

If its a hacked version of Windows 7, who knows what's wrong with it.

[Trickster999]

Originally Posted by Stig

Are you sure you want it disclose that?

If its a hacked version of Windows 7, who knows what's wrong with it.

Its a false name

[Dim-Star]

It's a safety feature that's part of the User Accounts Control “UAC”. It basically keeps you running as a common user even while on an Administrator Account.
You can turn off UAC but it’s not recommended
The usual way around is to right click on the shortcut to the program and select “Run as Administrator”

[Hotelier]

I always use a non admin account. Not sure how it works but sometimes I get a pop up asking for admin account password (to install something for eg), and it proceeds fine.
Other times I just get a 'Not enough privs' type message and it closes, so I have to log on my admin account to do it.

[Trickster999]

Originally Posted by Dim-Star

It's a safety feature that's part of the User Accounts Control “UAC”. It basically keeps you running as a common user even while on an Administrator Account.
You can turn off UAC but it’s not recommended
The usual way around is to right click on the shortcut to the program and select “Run as Administrator”

How does it make the pc safer?

[Dim-Star]

By allowing any program to run on your computer as administrator and have full access to everything by default you could have all kinds of trouble.
For instance if some malware was allowed to run with full access by default instead of letting you give UAC approval first you are going to have major problems.

[Mr Dos]

Most people see UAC as a nuisance/nag screen, and just click to make it go away - so in 99% of cases its worthless. I have it turned off.

[Desolate one]

Turning off UAC is not advisable as it highlights a program needs elevation to admin priviledges and identifies the program so you can make an informed choice whether to allow or deny action.

If the program is not known for instance then you would deny it as it may be malware unless it is a program or app, browser you are using then you would allow as long as you know it's function.

The copy of windows used here may not be genuine so there could be a multitude of possibilities why elevation is not working.

[Trickster999]

If I purchased a genuine copy of Windows is it relatively easy to install?

[Desolate one]

Simple to install ensure the bios is set to to boot from cd/dvd drive insert windows disc click to install windows follow the prompts and choose custom install from advanced options choose to format hard drive and then install Windows after format finished.

Backup all important data before the install is essential before attempting install as all data will be lost.

Using a copied version of windows 7 from an unknown source from a P2P software download or from some website over than an official site download like microsoft is not genuine puts you at risk from viruses not to mention the copyright infringement.

I do not know if this is the case but if it is then buying a genuine Windows 7 DVD will give you a valid licence to use it.

I am afraid i cannot give advice using a non genuine copy of windows if this is the case.

[marysvevo]

Originally Posted by Trickster999

John Mclane

Yipee-ki-ay!