How to install software to all users on a Vista PC

[Jason Chen]

I would like to install a software program to all users on a PC such that
the program is on the start menu and on desktop for every user. I have tried
"Run as administrator". It didn't work. Only the start menu of the current
user is updated. By the way, the current user has administrator right.

I remember I can install under the user id "administrator" on Windows XP to
have the start menu updated for all users. How to do that in Vista? Thanks
for your help.

 

[Gary Mount]

Right click the Orb (start button) and select open all users. You can then
copy a shortcut once and it will show up on all users menu.

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi Jason,

The program's installer has to be written such that it will install to all
users. Otherwise you'll have to install it under each account. Typically,
older software is not going to follow the design parameters and will require
that you install it under each user. Vista compliant software *should* offer
the ability to install for all users and not just the loaded account. Use of
"run as administrator" gives elevated privileges so that the program can
write to and create system folders, but it doesn't have anything to do with
whether or not it installs for all users.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

 

[Jason Chen]

Thanks for th response from all. I have two questions:

1. What is the difference between "Open All Users" and "Explore All Users"?
It seems to me that they all open to the same location in Windows Explorer.

2. "Open All Users" goes to the common start menu. Where is the desktop
shared by all users?

 

[Rick Rogers]

Hi,

1. There is no difference.

2. C:\Users\Public\Desktop

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP

Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

 

[Paul Knudsen]

I would like to install a software program to all users on a PC such that
the program is on the start menu and on desktop for every user. I have tried
"Run as administrator". It didn't work. Only the start menu of the current
user is updated. By the way, the current user has administrator right.

I remember I can install under the user id "administrator" on Windows XP to
have the start menu updated for all users. How to do that in Vista? Thanks
for your help.

Give every user their own machine. Saves a lot of headaches. Comps
are so cheap now, and you probably have spare monitors already.