Vista - Standard account can not run exe's when "run as administrator" is selected

**tankman1989** · 09-05-2009

I am trying to start a new method of using my computer and am not going to run my profile as an Admin account. I am used to Linux and having to use SU or SUDO, so this should not be much different.

I am running into the same problem that pushed me away from this model before. I did a fresh install of a laptop, ran all Vista Home Premium updates, created a standard account, logged into the standard account, selected an exe on my C:, right clicked and selected "Run as Administrator" and I get this message "Windows can not access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item."

This error seems familiar as I tried this before and had the same problem. This pushed me into using an account that had elevated Admin privileges all the time (bad idea for someone who uses the internet and installs a lot of programs).

What is the deal and how can I fix it?

**Flavius** · 09-06-2009

Quote: Originally Posted by tankman1989

I am trying to start a new method of using my computer and am not going to run my profile as an Admin account. I am used to Linux and having to use SU or SUDO, so this should not be much different.

I am running into the same problem that pushed me away from this model before. I did a fresh install of a laptop, ran all Vista Home Premium updates, created a standard account, logged into the standard account, selected an exe on my C:, right clicked and selected "Run as Administrator" and I get this message "Windows can not access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item."

This error seems familiar as I tried this before and had the same problem. This pushed me into using an account that had elevated Admin privileges all the time (bad idea for someone who uses the internet and installs a lot of programs).

What is the deal and how can I fix it?

You can safely use not-build-in admin account with UAC turned on,because UAC pernamently seperate permissions as limited rights for user and admin rights see also:User Account Control Step-by-Step Guide.When you working normally on your admin account your are counting as limited user,if you want to do any which require admin rights you have to be authenticated (through UAC),when you'll authenticate permission are elevate for only required process not for all. This is difference solutions than SUDO or even SU from Linux but I guarantee it is fully safe also.Of course build-in admin account shouldn't be use in daily work and normally should be disabled.Build-in admin account should be used only in extremaly situations when normal not-build-in admins accounts are corrupted and impossible in any way to fix problems.

Exactly relate to error message:

Quote:

I get this message "Windows can not access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item."

Do you have the same error message on your (not-build -in) admin account? -if yes I would suspect any protected software:uninstall non-system firewall if you're using.If this is only on standard account possible also wrong UAC settings for standard users,you have to check UAC configuration:How do I change the behavior of the User Account Control message? - Windows Vista Help
2.2.11 User Account Control

09-05-2009	#1 (permalink)
tankman1989 Business 64bit 5 posts	Standard account can not run exe's when "run as administrator" is selected I am trying to start a new method of using my computer and am not going to run my profile as an Admin account. I am used to Linux and having to use SU or SUDO, so this should not be much different. I am running into the same problem that pushed me away from this model before. I did a fresh install of a laptop, ran all Vista Home Premium updates, created a standard account, logged into the standard account, selected an exe on my C:, right clicked and selected "Run as Administrator" and I get this message "Windows can not access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item." This error seems familiar as I tried this before and had the same problem. This pushed me into using an account that had elevated Admin privileges all the time (bad idea for someone who uses the internet and installs a lot of programs). What is the deal and how can I fix it?
My System Specs

09-06-2009	#2 (permalink)
Flavius Vista Bussiness x64 PL 1,557 posts	Re: Standard account can not run exe's when "run as administrator" is selected Quote: Originally Posted by tankman1989 I am trying to start a new method of using my computer and am not going to run my profile as an Admin account. I am used to Linux and having to use SU or SUDO, so this should not be much different. I am running into the same problem that pushed me away from this model before. I did a fresh install of a laptop, ran all Vista Home Premium updates, created a standard account, logged into the standard account, selected an exe on my C:, right clicked and selected "Run as Administrator" and I get this message "Windows can not access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item." This error seems familiar as I tried this before and had the same problem. This pushed me into using an account that had elevated Admin privileges all the time (bad idea for someone who uses the internet and installs a lot of programs). What is the deal and how can I fix it? You can safely use not-build-in admin account with UAC turned on,because UAC pernamently seperate permissions as limited rights for user and admin rights see also:User Account Control Step-by-Step Guide.When you working normally on your admin account your are counting as limited user,if you want to do any which require admin rights you have to be authenticated (through UAC),when you'll authenticate permission are elevate for only required process not for all. This is difference solutions than SUDO or even SU from Linux but I guarantee it is fully safe also.Of course build-in admin account shouldn't be use in daily work and normally should be disabled.Build-in admin account should be used only in extremaly situations when normal not-build-in admins accounts are corrupted and impossible in any way to fix problems. Exactly relate to error message: Quote: I get this message "Windows can not access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item." Do you have the same error message on your (not-build -in) admin account? -if yes I would suspect any protected software:uninstall non-system firewall if you're using.If this is only on standard account possible also wrong UAC settings for standard users,you have to check UAC configuration:How do I change the behavior of the User Account Control message? - Windows Vista Help 2.2.11 User Account Control
My System Specs

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