Originally Posted by pvman

My question is really priviledge/permissions related.

I have had my system for 2 years now and I cannot seem to get this process down. Does one:

1.) Log in as "Administrator" and then install

2.) Log in as a normal user and enter the Adminstrator password when prompted during the install?

3.) As a normal user, right-click the installer executable and choose "Run as administrator"?

4.) Change a normal user's account to and "administrator" account, install the application(s) and then change the user account back to normal when finished?

5.) Should User Access Control (UAC) be on or off?

I've had issues related to permissions on and off. I've never quite gotten a good understanding of the Vista security paradigm as it relates to software installs. I'm trying to understand what a good standard practice is or ways to recognize when to use one method over another.

Some examples of issues I've had are with applications like Palm Desktop v6.2 (my adventures with that: Palm Desktop HotSync Manager v7.x software install on 64-bit), Macromedia (Adobe) Flash v10.x, Samsung New PC Studio v1.5.10064_2, Pocket Tunes v4, and a few others.

Some examples of issues I've had are: some programs partially run or don't run as a normal user. They run fine as Administrator. In some cases right-clicking the Desktop shortcut and choosing "Run as administrator" runs the application successfully, but this is not a good option for my kids and spouse.

Is it necessary to change some of the "compatibility" settings? How can one tell? What are some good resources to consult? Lots of software do not come with installation or release notes/instructions.

This should answer most questions
Install a program
http://www.ehow.com/how_6597709_inst...ows-vista.html

You should install the software from an Administrator account.
The UAC should not be turned off, it is there for your protection
Software that you must run as administrator is a function of the software and not of the download method. There is usually a way to have software run as though it is being run as an administrator. This varies from software to software and methods may differ.
To install software you must have Administrator rights : Windows Vista and Windows 7 Help

One method that you did not mention is to use the REAL administrator to install software. It avoids a lot of prompts etc.
Administrator Account
Using this method will make install easier, but you are circumventing many of the safety warnings etc.

Compatibilty settings should be changed only if the software is not compatible with Vista.
It works with XP etc but not Vista.

Additional information
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windo...windows-vista/

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials...rmissions.html
From our Sevens Forum, but equally applicable to Vista
Your problems can be reduced or even avoided by turning off the UAC, but this is discouraged, expecially if children or those not familiar with computer safety are involved.

A rule of thumb is if a change will effect the entire system, it must be done as an administrator or run as administator.
If it will affect only one user, then administrative rights are not necessary. Such as creating a file.

I would be very happy to answer any additional questions or give further explanation about the above. I will be able to make things more clear if you limit your questiions to one or two at a time. I will give you all the time that you need.