Anyone know how to add permissions to "program files" folder?

[JethroUK©]

I'm having trouble with some 'program files' folder and I think it's
permissions issue (suprised i seem to be the only one)

I want to add a user (myself) but "Add.." user is greyed out????

Anyone know how to add a user to program files folder?

If i took ownership of the folder would this lead to complications?

[Rick Rogers]

Hi,

On the security tab of the Program Files folder properties, the Users and
Administrators groups should be listed already, there should be no need to
add anything. Members of the Users group should already have read & execute,
List, and Read permissions. Admins have special privilege (involves
self-elevating).

Altering permissions on this or any other designated system folder could
cause unwanted/unpredictable behavior. What sort of problem are you having
that leads you to believe that you need to change the permission set?

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

"JethroUK©" <reply@the.board> wrote in message
news:uwHReSASJHA.5900@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> I'm having trouble with some 'program files' folder and I think it's
> permissions issue (suprised i seem to be the only one)
>
> I want to add a user (myself) but "Add.." user is greyed out????
>
> Anyone know how to add a user to program files folder?
>
> If i took ownership of the folder would this lead to complications?

[RPD]

Hi

I don't know the answer I am afraid, but I too would like to know it!

I have a new computer running Vista and despite being an administrator user
(on my own computer!) I have received messages saying I cannot save files to
a folder in 'program files'.
Presently I cannot find much advice on the net about this and I have gone
ahead & turned off UAC to try & fix this but I do not know if this is the
right thing to do. Can anyone advise me on this?

I do hope learning to use Vista is straightforward (my old computer was
WinXP Pro-but it crashed with 'Error loading OS' message & using WinXP
repair/restore methods did not restore it to load properly -it continued to
load from disc only, and after much time & effort to try to fix it I felt
driven to get a new computer! Then after only 4 days use with this running
Vista I got a 'Windows did not shut down properly & needs system restore to
restart' message!! Oh the joys of computers -sic-.........). I am trying
this newsgroup for the first time (just out of interest is there a web page
for this group?).

Thanks
RPD

"JethroUK©" <reply@the.board> wrote in message
news:uwHReSASJHA.5900@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> I'm having trouble with some 'program files' folder and I think it's
> permissions issue (suprised i seem to be the only one)
>
> I want to add a user (myself) but "Add.." user is greyed out????
>
> Anyone know how to add a user to program files folder?
>
> If i took ownership of the folder would this lead to complications?
>

[Bruce Chambers]

JethroUK© wrote:
> I'm having trouble with some 'program files' folder and I think it's
> permissions issue (suprised i seem to be the only one)
>


The issue wouldn't arise unless one were trying to use a legacy
application of some sort that tries to store its data within the
"Program Files" tree, something no properly designed (for
WinNT/2K/XP/Vista) application would ever do, and someplace no regular
user should be making changes.


> I want to add a user (myself) but "Add.." user is greyed out????
>

If the options to alter the security settings are greyed out, you're
not using an account with administrative privileges.

> Anyone know how to add a user to program files folder?
>


The same way it was done in WinNT/2K/XP: In Windows Explorer,
right-click on the folder in question, select "Properties," then the
"Security" tab, and then click the "Add" button.


> If i took ownership of the folder would this lead to complications?

Probably only if this computer is used by multiple users, in which case
you might somehow lock the other users out of running any applications.
However, if you don't have the access permissions to "Add" a user,
then you're not very likely tot have the necessary access to take
ownership, either.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

[RPD]

I have found the website now
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/com...2-05c516f0f5c5

I sent my original reply (& also this one) using Windows Mail newsgroups
facility.

However I have not been able to use the 'reply' function on the webpage.
When I hit reply the webpage only refreshes & doesn't allow me to write a
reply!

RPD

"JethroUK©" <reply@the.board> wrote in message
news:uwHReSASJHA.5900@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> I'm having trouble with some 'program files' folder and I think it's
> permissions issue (suprised i seem to be the only one)
>
> I want to add a user (myself) but "Add.." user is greyed out????
>
> Anyone know how to add a user to program files folder?
>
> If i took ownership of the folder would this lead to complications?
>

[JethroUK©]

Some of the programs (old ones e.g. infraview) need to write (ini files) and
they aren't being allowed to - documented on their website - affects loads
of programs i use

by adding myself as write user they will all work properly

but add user is disabled



"Rick Rogers" <rick@mvps.org> wrote in message
news:#AIfDqASJHA.5408@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> Hi,
>
> On the security tab of the Program Files folder properties, the Users and
> Administrators groups should be listed already, there should be no need to
> add anything. Members of the Users group should already have read &
> execute, List, and Read permissions. Admins have special privilege
> (involves self-elevating).
>
> Altering permissions on this or any other designated system folder could
> cause unwanted/unpredictable behavior. What sort of problem are you having
> that leads you to believe that you need to change the permission set?
>
> --
> Best of Luck,
>
> Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
> http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
> Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
> My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com
>
> "JethroUK©" <reply@the.board> wrote in message
> news:uwHReSASJHA.5900@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> I'm having trouble with some 'program files' folder and I think it's
>> permissions issue (suprised i seem to be the only one)
>>
>> I want to add a user (myself) but "Add.." user is greyed out????
>>
>> Anyone know how to add a user to program files folder?
>>
>> If i took ownership of the folder would this lead to complications?
>

[Rick Rogers]

Hi,

As Bruce has explained, it's because this older application is trying to
write to the actual program folder rather than run virtualized as
applications should under Vista. The workaround is not to alter permissions
but rather to initialize the application elevated (right click the .exe or
link and use 'run as administrator').

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com

"JethroUK©" <reply@the.board> wrote in message
news:%23ELqUcBSJHA.4916@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> Some of the programs (old ones e.g. infraview) need to write (ini files)
> and they aren't being allowed to - documented on their website - affects
> loads of programs i use
>
> by adding myself as write user they will all work properly
>
> but add user is disabled
>
>
>
> "Rick Rogers" <rick@mvps.org> wrote in message
> news:#AIfDqASJHA.5408@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
>> Hi,
>>
>> On the security tab of the Program Files folder properties, the Users and
>> Administrators groups should be listed already, there should be no need
>> to add anything. Members of the Users group should already have read &
>> execute, List, and Read permissions. Admins have special privilege
>> (involves self-elevating).
>>
>> Altering permissions on this or any other designated system folder could
>> cause unwanted/unpredictable behavior. What sort of problem are you
>> having that leads you to believe that you need to change the permission
>> set?
>>
>> --
>> Best of Luck,
>>
>> Rick Rogers, aka "Nutcase" - Microsoft MVP
>> http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/
>> Windows help - www.rickrogers.org
>> My thoughts http://rick-mvp.blogspot.com
>>
>> "JethroUK©" <reply@the.board> wrote in message
>> news:uwHReSASJHA.5900@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> I'm having trouble with some 'program files' folder and I think it's
>>> permissions issue (suprised i seem to be the only one)
>>>
>>> I want to add a user (myself) but "Add.." user is greyed out????
>>>
>>> Anyone know how to add a user to program files folder?
>>>
>>> If i took ownership of the folder would this lead to complications?
>>

[JethroUK©]

e.g. infraview photo editing document this as a problem - loads programs i
use wont work properly

since there's no way to simply 'add' a user i'll take ownership and hope it
all work properly

im also going to try installing them elsewhere and hope it works




"Bruce Chambers" <bchambers@cable0ne.n3t> wrote in message
news:uXyLv2ASJHA.3880@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl...
> JethroUK© wrote:
>> I'm having trouble with some 'program files' folder and I think it's
>> permissions issue (suprised i seem to be the only one)
>>
>
>
> The issue wouldn't arise unless one were trying to use a legacy
> application of some sort that tries to store its data within the "Program
> Files" tree, something no properly designed (for WinNT/2K/XP/Vista)
> application would ever do, and someplace no regular user should be making
> changes.
>
>
>> I want to add a user (myself) but "Add.." user is greyed out????
>>
>
> If the options to alter the security settings are greyed out, you're not
> using an account with administrative privileges.
>
>> Anyone know how to add a user to program files folder?
>>
>
>
> The same way it was done in WinNT/2K/XP: In Windows Explorer, right-click
> on the folder in question, select "Properties," then the "Security" tab,
> and then click the "Add" button.
>
>
>> If i took ownership of the folder would this lead to complications?
>
> Probably only if this computer is used by multiple users, in which case
> you might somehow lock the other users out of running any applications.
> However, if you don't have the access permissions to "Add" a user, then
> you're not very likely tot have the necessary access to take ownership,
> either.
>
>
> --
>
> Bruce Chambers
>
> Help us help you:
> http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>
> http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375
>
> They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
> safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin
>
> Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand
> Russell
>
> The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
> killed a great many philosophers.
> ~ Denis Diderot

[robertnp]

If you are using XP and you want to access the Program Files on another computer in your workgroup network, this can be achieved using the following steps.

These steps assume the C: drive has already been shared.

To set it up, perform the following steps on each computer:

1. Log on as Administrator. (If the Administrator is not on you Welcome screen, when you are on the Welcome screen, press Ctrl-Alt-Del twice. The easiest way to add the Administrator to the Welcome screen is to use WinGuides Tweak Manager -- brilliant software.)

2. Make sure the administrator password on each machine is the same - it makes it easier later on. (To set the password, go to Administrative Tools > Local Users and Groups).

3. Put the cursor on the Start button, right click > Explore. Then: Tools > Folder Options > View and go to the last item in the list: "Use simple file sharing" and set it to OFF. Press: Apply to all folders.

4. Go to the Program Files folder. Right click on the folder > Sharing tab > "Share this folder". Then: Permissions and set Everyone to Full Control. Click OK. Note: this make take a few minutes to return to the normal cursor because it is recursing down the whole Program Files file structure and setting the permissions on every folder!

5. Locate you file manager program (Total Commander is by far and away The Best). Right click and select: Run As. Select Administrator and type in the password.

6. After both/all the PCs are done, access the Program Files on the other computer. It will ask you to choose "As Administrator". Click OK, click OK again and enter the password. It may take a minute to verify the permission and then Bingo!.

This seems to work irrespective of which level of user is logged in the two machines - administrator, user with admin rights or limited user.

Note: the steps do NOT switch "Use simple file sharing" ON again - it prevents from working.

Even bigger note: this change basically makes it possible for anyone who knows the administrator password to do whatever on the machines. Therefore you do undertake these changes are your own risk. I am not responsible for your security or your work practices.

I am unlikely to log back here any time soon, so good luck. I cannot provide any support -- because I am not that clever -- but you might get a response from rob - at - lasotell . com . au.

Regards,

Rob

[Gordon]

"robertnp" <robertnp.3nab3e@DoNotSpam.com> wrote in message
news:robertnp.3nab3e@DoNotSpam.com...
>
> If you are using XP and you want to access the Program Files on another
> computer in your workgroup network,

I cannot imagine under what circumstances anyone would either want or need
to do this. You can't run a program from there over the network, you can't
install or uninstall a program from that folder, and there is (or shouldn't
be) any user data in that folder. So what else can you do with it other than
mess?

--
Asking a question?
Please tell us the version of the application you are asking about,
your OS, Service Pack level
and the FULL contents of any error message(s)

[spamme0]

Gordon wrote:
> "robertnp" <robertnp.3nab3e@DoNotSpam.com> wrote in message
> news:robertnp.3nab3e@DoNotSpam.com...
>>
>> If you are using XP and you want to access the Program Files on another
>> computer in your workgroup network,
>
> I cannot imagine under what circumstances anyone would either want or
> need to do this. You can't run a program from there over the network,
> you can't install or uninstall a program from that folder, and there is
> (or shouldn't be) any user data in that folder. So what else can you do
> with it other than mess?
>
Edit a configuration file,
Add a license file
Update an executable

[DanS]

"Gordon" <gordonbparker@yahoo.com.invalid> wrote in
news:#g8cCDeiJHA.1292@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl:

> "robertnp" <robertnp.3nab3e@DoNotSpam.com> wrote in message
> news:robertnp.3nab3e@DoNotSpam.com...
>>
>> If you are using XP and you want to access the Program Files on
>> another computer in your workgroup network,
>
> I cannot imagine under what circumstances anyone would either want or
> need to do this.

Then you must have no imagination.

>You can't run a program from there over the network

Not true. My son runs several games, not installed on his PC, but on
another network PC, and all he needs to do on his PC is start the game over
the network. And they are not simple little games. One I know for a fact is
Unreal Tournament, the name of the others escape me.

There are many programs that can be run w/o actually installing them
locally.

[DanS]

DanS <t.h.i.s.n.t.h.a.t@r.o.a.d.r.u.n.n.e.r.c.o.m> wrote in
news:Xns9BAC896ABFEAFthisnthatroadrunnern@85.214.105.209:

> "Gordon" <gordonbparker@yahoo.com.invalid> wrote in
> news:#g8cCDeiJHA.1292@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl:
>
>> "robertnp" <robertnp.3nab3e@DoNotSpam.com> wrote in message
>> news:robertnp.3nab3e@DoNotSpam.com...
>>>
>>> If you are using XP and you want to access the Program Files on
>>> another computer in your workgroup network,
>>
>> I cannot imagine under what circumstances anyone would either want or
>> need to do this.
>
> Then you must have no imagination.
>
>>You can't run a program from there over the network
>
> Not true. My son runs several games, not installed on his PC, but on
> another network PC, and all he needs to do on his PC is start the game
> over the network. And they are not simple little games. One I know for
> a fact is Unreal Tournament, the name of the others escape me.
>
> There are many programs that can be run w/o actually installing them
> locally.
>

Note: my above comments have nothing to do with permissions, or UAC, or
anything other than replies to statements made and taken at face value.

[robertnp]

Hi Gordon,

My problem is that I have two portables and I keep a number of programs in sync between them with respect to setup and configuration. One of those programs takes about an hour to set up the way I want it. I use Total Commander to work between the two computers (one PC in each window) and it is very easy to compare two directories (there is even a command to do that) to check which config/ini etc files have changed. Then it is a drag and drop exercise for the selected files.

Yes, it can be done by copying the directory on to a stick and putting the stick in the other PC and do the comparison there. But that is like having a Word processor but writing the notes out long-hand before typing them in.

So my use is purely practical and time saving, considering I such operations relatively frequently. And it had never been a problem until I had to rebuild one of the PCs recently and I had not been able to access the Program Files directory on the other PC.

I have no need (or desire) to run programs on different machines, although I have used Total Commander to access the DVD on another PC for installing the software on the machine hosting Total Commander. That is very handy when you have a dodgey disk that can only be installed from a slow CD drive, which I have on an ancient desktop on my network.

Regards,

Rob.