Running as administrator

[FJG]

I am logged in as the administrator to win xp pro (my only account).
When running msconfig and trying to change some items in services I am
prompted to log in as administrator to enable the changes. If I am
already logged in as admin why am I asked to log in as admin.

If necessary how is that done?

Thanks

Frank

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

I am logged in as the administrator to win xp pro (my only account).

Not a good idea. When catching any malware while logged in with adminis-
trative privileges, you can reinstall Windows from scratch.

When running msconfig and trying to change some items in services I am
prompted to log in as administrator to enable the changes. If I am
already logged in as admin why am I asked to log in as admin.

This is *always* caused by poor third-party software that you installed.
The most common culprits are ZoneAlarm, McAfee and HP driver software.

If necessary how is that done?

In most of the reported cases, the changes take place despite of that
error message.

 

[Gordon]

I am logged in as the administrator to win xp pro (my only account).

If by that you mean the built-in administrator account, please be aware that
it is VERY BAD PRACTICE to use the built-in Administrator account on a
day-to-day basis and as your only account on the computer. If the account
gets corrupted, as it may well do, then your ONLY way into the machine is by
doing a repair install of XP. set up a User account and give that Admin
rights for daily use, leaving the built-in Administrator account for
emergency access only.

 

[FJG]

If by that you mean the built-in administrator account, please be aware that
it is VERY BAD PRACTICE to use the built-in Administrator account on a
day-to-day basis and as your only account on the computer. If the account
gets corrupted, as it may well do, then your ONLY way into the machine is by
doing a repair install of XP. set up a User account and give that Admin
rights for daily use, leaving the built-in Administrator account for
emergency access only

Well I should have been clearer as I am using a user account with admin
privilege's. The request for admin comes when I am using msconfig to
delete certain services. Why then is another request for admin displayed.

Thanks

Frank

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

Well I should have been clearer as I am using a user account with admin
privilege's.

Again, this is bad practice since this is your only user account.

The request for admin comes when I am using msconfig to delete certain
services.

Note that MSCONFIG allows to disable services temporarily for testing
purposes but you can't *delete* any services. Start > Run: services.msc
allows for changing the startup type. If you really want to *delete* a
service (from the registry) type "SC /?" at the command prompt.

Why then is another request for admin displayed.

You got the answer already in this thread. Just read it.

 

[Kayman]

I am logged in as the administrator to win xp pro (my only account).
When running msconfig and trying to change some items in services I am
prompted to log in as administrator to enable the changes. If I am
already logged in as admin why am I asked to log in as admin.

Least privilege
http://www.securityfocus.com/infocus/1848
"It is important that administrators follow the rule of least
privilege. This means that users should operate their computer
with only the minimum set of privileges that they need to do their
job. Typically this means operating as a normal user, and only
when absolutely necessary use the Run As or MakeMeAdmin commands
to elevate privileges."