installing software to multiple users on 1 pc using xp

[learner1]

installing software to multiple users on 1 pc using xp


this is a family pc - 5 users- when i as admin install a software program- I will get it allright but the users do noy get all the files.


i wonder is their a special folder to install to so that all users have access to the software program


thanks for any pointers

 

[RealBlackStuff]

You are only A administrator resp. user with admin rights.
You have to log in as THE Administrator, using the login Administrator + admin password.

Alternatively you can drag'n'drop the files from
c:\Documents and Settings\[your account]\Start Menu\Programs (or [your account]\Desktop)
to the corresponding
..\All Users\Start Menu\Programs (or Desktop.)

 

[learner1]

thanks for replying

thanks for replying
i am confused

i am set up as user administrator- is there another login as administrator v- where do bi accesss this and find the password please
thanks again
learner1

 

[RealBlackStuff]

In Explorer, look under c:\Documents and Settings
you'll find:
All Users (general account)
Default User (see post below)
Learner1 (you with admin rights)
Mary (limited)
Bob (limited)
Siobhan (limited)
or whatever names your kids/other users have.

To log in as Administrator, see this:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/admins.htm

To find more about installing for ALL, see also this:
Customize the Default User Profile in Windows XP
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/customprofile.htm

 

[learner1]

thanks again for your detailed reply

thanks to realblackstuff yet again for your detailed reply.

now we have a
1. built in administrator that can only be accesed through safe mode

2. user administrator

can you tell me
A - what is the difference between these two
B - when would you use either- pros or cons

when you are installing software for all users should you use the built in administrator in safe mode or does it make any difference.?

my original question is that when i install as a user administrator ( not as the built in administrator)the software runs fine on my own id but not on the other users.- "initalization failed etc" some files fail to load etc.
do i have to load it individually to all users.

in your reply you show how to acces other user files and suggest copy and paste but surely there is a cleaner way.

this is a furthur edit:

i have since tried to load the software in by the in built administrator and still get the same result. ok on my id but other user:
Message received:
"initalization failed etc"




thanks in advance
learner1

best regards
learner1

 

[RealBlackStuff]

Personally I would not let anyone on MY PC, I'd rather get them their own.
We are only 3 here, each with their own PC, and I have a few extra PCs as well.

I dont' really have that experience, as I strictly work on 1-person PCs, where each user is also the administrator.
My wife and daughter are both well 'trained' and won't install anything themselves.

I assume that installing in Safe Mode as Admin would be the best way.

Anyway, here's what I found on the web:

During installation, some applications prompt you to install on the current user account or on all user accounts. If the application is not selected to install on all user accounts, the application does not show up properly.

The application may be installed, but the shortcut to the application may simply be missing from the new user account. Use these steps to copy the shortcut for all users.

Log on to the user account that has administrator access.
Open Windows Explorer.

From the Windows XP default Start menu, point to All Programs, Accessories, and then click Windows Explorer.
From the Windows XP classic Start menu, point to Programs, Accessories, and then click Windows Explorer.

In the My Documents window, click the plus sign (+) next to My Computer, Local Disk (C, and Documents and Settings.
Click the plus sign (+) next to the name of the user account that the program is installed on.
Click the plus sign (+) next to Start Menu, and then select Programs.
Select the shortcut for the application that you want to add to another user account. Click Edit, and then click Copy.
Click the plus sign (+) next to the name of the user account that needs access to the application or the "All Users" account to give all users access to the application.
Click the plus sign (+) next to Start Menu, and then select Programs.
Select the directory that you want the shortcut to appear in. Click Edit, and then click Paste.
Repeat for each additional user who needs access to the application.

Select the setup installation file of the application. Click File, and then
click Run as.
Have the user who has administrative rights type the user name and password,
and then click OK.
Go through the installation of the application.
Note: Some applications require an administrator account in order to be
used. If a non-administrator account is used, the application does not work
even if it is installed properly.

For more information about applications not creating shortcuts for all user
accounts, reference Microsoft Knowledge Base article Q301494.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;301494

As for the dial-up connections, click "Anyone who uses......." option in tte
settings

 

[learner1]

thanks again to Blackstuff.
sorry for late reply i have not being well.
will now take everything onboard.
i did not see this reply before i posted the exact opposite request 26/08/06