XP Windows update

[\a:\\\]

I've got a windows XP pro system with two ids. When logged on with my admin
id, the updates autodownload and I'm prompted to do the update.

When my wife logs on with her limited id, she is not prompted. If she
manually tries to update, it says she doesn't have enough authority.

Other then giving her admin access, is there any way to grant her enough
access that the updates autodownload and install under her limited id?

Thanks

 

[K. Graham Clarke [MSFT]]

The inherent security of Windows XP is such that installing an application,
driver or patch requires Administrative priveleges. A Power User may
install a printer (driver). So, a limited users cannot "harm" the system by
making it unstable and inadvertently downloading\installing something they
should not. If, however, you are updating the patches in your security
context, that will be sufficient for the entire system. (i.e., if you do
it, your wife does not need to update them)

--
Have a great day!

Graham, MCSE²+I, MCSA
Microsoft Corporation Exchange Enterprise Messaging

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[\a:\\\]

It looks I'll be doing the updates then

Am I correct in saying then that with limited access, the likelyhood of
having a virus installed is less?

 

[Malke]

It looks I'll be doing the updates then

Am I correct in saying then that with limited access, the likelyhood
of having a virus installed is less?

Yes, that is one of the points of not running as Administrator. However,
you certainly shouldn't rely on this and should all practice safe
computing.

Malke

 

[oby]

To install items from Windows Update, you must be logged on as an
administrator or a member of the Administrators group. If your computer is
connected to a network, network policy settings may also prevent you from
completing this procedure.

Note If you are running a Windows 2000 (except DataCenter), Windows XP, or
Windows Server 2003 operating system, you can run the local administrator
account on your computer without having to log off and then log on again.

To run as the local administrator in Windows XP or Windows Server 2003:


1.. Click Start, and then click All Programs (or right-click Windows
Update if it is available).
2.. Right-click Windows Update.
3.. Click Run as on the menu that appears.
4.. Do one of the following:
a.. Enter the password for the administrator.
b.. Enter the user name, domain name, and password of a different user
account that has administrative permissions on this computer.

To run as the local administrator in Windows 2000:


1.. Click Start, right-click Windows Update, and then click Run As on the
menu that appears.
2.. Do one of the following:
a.. Enter the password for the administrator.
b.. Enter the user name, domain name, and password of a different user
account that has administrative permissions on this computer.

If the option to run as the local administrator is not available:


1.. Click Start, right-click Windows Update, and then click Properties.
2.. Click the Shortcut tab, and then select the Run as different user
check box.

 

[\a:\\\]

That's a great tip below, thank you

To run as the local administrator in Windows XP or Windows Server 2003:


1.. Click Start, and then click All Programs (or right-click Windows
Update if it is available).
2.. Right-click Windows Update.
3.. Click Run as on the menu that appears.
4.. Do one of the following:
a.. Enter the password for the administrator.
b.. Enter the user name, domain name, and password of a different user
account that has administrative permissions on this computer.

To run as the local administrator in Windows 2000:


1.. Click Start, right-click Windows Update, and then click Run As on the
menu that appears.
2.. Do one of the following:
a.. Enter the password for the administrator.
b.. Enter the user name, domain name, and password of a different user
account that has administrative permissions on this computer.

If the option to run as the local administrator is not available:


1.. Click Start, right-click Windows Update, and then click Properties.
2.. Click the Shortcut tab, and then select the Run as different user
check box.