How do I make programs I install available to all users?

[Gary]

I just got a new computer from Dell and am not familiar
with XP. If I am logged on to the computer, with no
programs running, no one else can log on and access the
internet. We have a DSL connection through Verizon, if
that's relevant. I have to log off the computer, closing
all programs, in order for someone else to go onlin. Is
this normal for XP? Also, I've noticed that one of the
programs I've installed myself, Microsoft Picture It,
works fine when I am the logged-on user, but others in my
household can't open the program, even though the icon
appears on their desktop. Obviously, Dell was able to
install programs so they are available to all users, so
how would I do that? It doesn't make sense that I would
have to install a program separately for each user of the
computer. Thanks for responses. Gary

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

With regard to Picture It, most applications weren't designed for this type
of multi-user environment.
Such applications need to be installed in each specific user's account to
whom you wish to grant access.

First, be sure the account to which you wish to grant access is set to
administrator and not limited. Install the applications to the same folder
in which it was originally installed. This will look the same as one
install on your hard drive but create the pointers necessary for this user
to have access to the application.

Once the installation is complete, you can return the account to its limited
status if that is what you want and the user should still have access.

It's possible, Dell installed applications that could run in an a multi-user
environment without the above.

As to the Internet access issue, be sure the other users have access rights,
be sure firewalls and other security applications are not blocking other
user access and finally, if you have software for Verizon DSL installed, it
may fall into the category above meaning you may have to install the
software in each user account.

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

No, shared documents will not work. Sometimes installing to all users works
but you really never know with which application that might work.

If you install the application in each user's account to whom you wish to
grant access, you needn't designate anything. The installation in the user
account will create access pointers for that user to the application even
though, on your hard drive it appears to be a single installation.

Yes, I'm saying temporarily make the limited account administrative, install
the application when in that account, then return the account to its limited
status.
As to whether or not you need to be an administrator to add a program,
usually yes and that's as it should be though, with XP Pro, you can create a
power users group to which you might grant such privileges:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;307882