Windows 7: Issues with running applications with Admin Privilege

I am having issues with running certain apps with admin privilege.
I have installed Notepad++ which i use for my .js files.
Now here's what's happening:
When im editing a file which is located in the programfiles folder, it wouldn't allow me to save it. I can only save it if i close the app, give it admin privilege(right click->compatibility->check run as admin).
This is fine with me. But if i do that, another issue pops up. I am then not able to open files in notepad++ via the context menu. neither can i drag drop the file onto notepad++. ( i get an error: Error in CreateProcess (740) )

I also have a similar issue with chrome(7.0.517.24).
If i set it to run as admin, i can't drag and drop files onto chrome!
If i uncheck the 'run as admin' option, it works. I am able to drop files onto chrome as usual.


I dont' know what could be causing this. I know it's UAC related, but i can't understand why would apps have problem opening files when they are running in 'admin mode'!

See if you are a standard or administrator user.

I doubt it's UAC related. Most likely due to permission rights of user, or file or folder. By running the program as admin and saving the file, it probably affects the file rights.

I am the Administrator. It's the a/c that i created when installing 7.

However, here's what i did, which got it working for me.
I took ownership of the files that i wanted to modify in programfiles folder.
(right click - properties - security - advanced - owner - edit).
Now notepad++ is able to save the file.

Excellent. Glad you got it resolved. So it was a rights issue.

Yea, a part of it is solved.

But i still don't understand why cant apps open files when they are run with admin privileges.
I even tried the same with Opera. Once given admin privileges, it can't open files when drag n dropped onto it!

You cannot drag files onto applications running as Admin because Explorer is not running as Admin. An application with a lower integrity (Standard user) level cannot talk to an application with a higher integrity level (Admin user). You either have to open the files though the applications "Open" menu, or do not edit the file when it is in a protected directory (Program Files).

So any solution to this other than using the 'Open' menu of the particular app?
Would giving explorer admin previleges do any good? Even if it does, is it advisable?
Infact, is it advisable to give ANY app admin previleges?

Not advisable.

Only when its required. Giving an application Admin privileges gives it power over your whole computer, this should be avoided especially for anything that is connected to the internet.

But for me the best solution is to never work in system locations like "Program Files" either move them to your desktop for quick edits or create a repository in a user owned location (Your User folder, for example) for your work. Then if need be using junctions or symlink the files in Program Files from your repository.

Thanks for the explanation logicearth.
I tried givin explorer.exe admin right in the mean while, but didn't succeed.

Anyways, i've moved the files to a diff location, so no worries.