maddening popups and can't delete files

[news.microsoft.com]

I posted this on several Vista groups in desperation. I can't get control
of my own computer although I'm the only user. I can't understand the
complicated directions given to OWN my own PC so I can delete unwanted files
downloaded to it in error from a backup external drive.

I'm the admin and only user on my Vista comp and can't delete old files I no
longer want. How do I delete these unwanted files and why don't I have
complete control over my own PC? How do I disable all these unwanted
"safety" features in control of my PC? I have no password and there is one
account - mine.

How do I get rid of the annoying popup windows asking for permission to do
almost everything? It's becoming torture using this Vista machine but I'm
stuck with Vista until the warranty runs out.

PLEASE!!!!!!!!! How the hell do I get control away from Windows/MS and OWN
my own machine?

 

[Wandering]

I hear your frustration, but it is based on a deep misunderstanding of Vista
and all other modern operating systems. It's fairly simple. If you as the
operator of the moment had full control of every aspect of your machine,
then so would any malware that managed to find it's way in to the machine
from any source. As a day-to-day operator you don't need full control. When
you operate in such a limited account, then malware is prevented from taking
control of your system. It may at times be inconvenient for you, but in the
long run the system is far more bullet proof. All modern operating systems
enforce some level of this. Ubuntu for example, requires you to enter a
password to perform a wide range of operations, that only require a click on
"continue" with Vista.

It is something you need to learn about, and grow more comfortable with as
your knowledge increases. No point in fighting with Vista, it is better to
learn it. There are only a very few operations for which you need higher
levels of permission to operate with them.

Your "administrator account" really is not an administrator account for many
purposes, so using such an account mostly just gives you the ability to set
up other accounts of lesser rank, such as for guests or children. It
protects your machine from their folly. But you are not the Administrator
by using such an account in the sense that you have all privileges.

If you have loaded a lot of crud into your machine and you want to get rid
of it, probably the easiest way is to boot your machine in safe mode and
then delete there. There is also a freeware product I haven't tried, but
many swear by, called unlocker that will let you delete any locked file. Of
course if you can do that, you can destroy your machine easily. Only a few
weeks ago, as a recent example, one person was deciding to remove the files
in the Windows SX folders as they were taking up too much space in his
opinion. Programs like unlocker will let you do that. You will spend a long
time undoing the damage. So, be very careful. Do NOT imagine you understand
Vista yet, your post is clear indication otherwise. Don't expect it to run
like XP did. It doesn't. I've been using it on several machines for two
years, with virtually no problems. But when I bought it, I decided I needed
to invest some time in learning how it works. I recommend the same to you,
and I wish you good luck on your adventure.

 

[news.microsoft.com]

I hear your frustration, but it is based on a deep misunderstanding of
Vista and all other modern operating systems. It's fairly simple. If you as
the operator of the moment had full control of every aspect of your
machine, then so would any malware that managed to find it's way in to the
machine from any source. As a day-to-day operator you don't need full
control. When you operate in such a limited account, then malware is
prevented from taking control of your system. It may at times be
inconvenient for you, but in the long run the system is far more bullet
proof. All modern operating systems enforce some level of this. Ubuntu for
example, requires you to enter a password to perform a wide range of
operations, that only require a click on "continue" with Vista.

Several clicks, the screen goes black for a few seconds, another window
pops-up.... I didn't have to deal with this on the old XP machine. All this
security stuff is bordering on the paranoia now.

It is something you need to learn about, and grow more comfortable with as
your knowledge increases. No point in fighting with Vista, it is better
to learn it. There are only a very few operations for which you need
higher levels of permission to operate with them.

Your "administrator account" really is not an administrator account for
many purposes, so using such an account mostly just gives you the ability
to set up other accounts of lesser rank, such as for guests or children.
It protects your machine from their folly. But you are not the
Administrator by using such an account in the sense that you have all
privileges.

Oh, I'm well aware of that and resent it bitterly.