Creating and Using User Accounts in Windows XP

[topdawgg19]

Okay guys here is the deal. I want one of the two things to happen with my PC at work.

1) Folders are password protected.
- I can not find anyway to password protect folders therefore making it so I do not have to create user accounts.

2) Create a user account
- Yes I know it is easy enough to create the user account but I need to have the user account to have access to all desktop icons that the admin acount has access to. Programs that are not specifically written for Windows XP do not seem to work under the user account.
- I have a program that uses an activation code and if you install it again on another PC the serial number changes... therefore requesting a different activation code. When I try to use that program in the user account it wants the old activation code which is good... but I get tons of errors when the programs attempts to run.

If you click on the Itunes icon in the user account it will basically ask you all the setup information (like you are setting it up for the first time ever) So what is the deal? Do the programs create new registry values? I have another program that does not use an activation code and if I click on the program in the start menu... it crashes. That program is called FARES (First American Real Estate Solutions) Do these programs have to be specifically designed for Windows XP and user accounts?? What can I do??

- Thanks for any help

 

[Auger282]

ok heres the best I can do

If you create a new user you have the options to make your files secret or not.

when you are a user and are using a program for the first time.. yes it does keep personalized settings for that one user... these settings are stored in the "local settings" hidden directory under the user in "documents and settings"

with your question regarding the software...
I would check the software to make sure its windows xp compatable.. if its not.. that would be your problem

 

[topdawgg19]

Yes I realize you can have your files secret or not. And yes I did select secret. But the programs crash on the user account and not on the admin account. Like a registry value or something is missing.

Is there a way to make the icons on the user desktop point to the programs on the admin account? This may solve the problem....

 

[Auger282]

exe's you can right click "run as.." and then you have to type in the admin account pass

 

[topdawgg19]

Is there anyway to save the admin password for that program?

 

[aquias]

Actually...yes there is...check out this utility by our own Gpalmer

http://www.palmersoft.co.uk/runasuser.htm