Single user PC why do I need Admin + Owner + Users ?


  1. Posts : 1,002
    XP Pro (x86) | 7 HP (x86) & (x64) | 7 Pro (x64)
       #1

    Single user PC why do I need Admin + Owner + Users ?


    Have just migrated (sic. "down graded") from XP to Win7
    I am on Win7 training wheels and I still fall of !

    As a single user PC the new "Administrator" + "Owner" etc is driving me insane.
    In the process of trying to get a grasp on Win7 and its foibles I am getting more frstrated with Win7.
    My four other WinXp PRO machines are just a dream to use.
    Thay are all standalone PCs -- stable and they let me "in".

    My Toshiba laptop came with Win7 Home preloaded.

    Is there such a thing as a single user install ?
    If so would I have to buy a Win7 Disc ?
    (I am seriously thinking of buying a full retail version of Win7, so that when/if my XP machines fall over, I wont have the agony of Win8, because hopefully I will be familiar with Win7 tweaks.

    As a Autocad programmer I mostly work in VBA and scripts.
    I think I am developing a crush on Linux, and we haven't even met !

    I would appreciate any informative help
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 10,994
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit
       #2

    I can appreciate your frustration, Russell. The learning curve from XP to 7 can be kinda steep. One of the issues many people first have is the increased security offered by Windows 7. As you said in your post about your XP machines, "They are all standalone PCs -- stable and they let me "in"." That was one of XP's major problems ... lots of malware was able to get in as well as the authorized user(s).

    When a new 7 computer is first set up, the initial account created is an administrator account so you can make required changes to the computer (like choosing language of choice, setting computer time zone, etc.) So there always has to be at least one administrator account on a 7 machine.

    But to add to the confusion, this is an "unelevated" administrator account. In other words, there are some tasks (such as running a system file checker scan [sfc /scannow] from a command prompt), that cannot be done without jumping through one more hoop. If you open a command prompt in 7 (either by typing cmd in the start menu search box or using the long way start > all programs > accessories > command prompt) you have to right-click the command prompt icon and select "Run as administrator". It's just another security feature to make it more difficult for malware to get in.

    A lot of people who are the only ones using the computer leave things as is ... running with that administrator account. Nothing wrong with that if you're careful and know what sites you're visiting, what email attachments you're opening, etc. But for an extra degree of security many people operate as a standard user just because it does make it more difficult for malware to get in. This tutorial goes into more detail about the various account types.

    User Account Type - Change

    As far as obtaining a Windows 7 installation disk, you could check out Step 4 in this tutorial (doing a repair install of Windows 7.)

    Repair Install

    You could download the ISO file for your version of Windows 7, save it to desktop, then burn it to a DVD. If you ever did a repair install or a clean install, just use the Product Key on your Toshiba laptop to re-activate with Microsoft. Hope some of this helps and doesn't make things even more confusing.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,002
    XP Pro (x86) | 7 HP (x86) & (x64) | 7 Pro (x64)
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thank you "marsmimar" for your prompt response.
    As a happy XP'er your feedback has confirmed what I did not want to hear. I will get over it, as frustrating as "it" is.

    I have known almost nothing about security, so I have always kept all my work PCs cotton-wooled and never on the web.
    We use one web dedicated PC that is only used for surfing, email and skype. No apps other than defaults that come with Windows.
    I do add "convenience" programs that are an improvement on Windows defaults. (ClipX, Metapad + remove/hide as much clutter as possible)

    I/we are anal about "scanning" every download before moving "stuff" to the other PC's, and I insist that we use TXT files for data transfer,
    rather than the dangers of Office apps etc -- and scan every download, incl pictures -- everything!

    It has become apparent that a healthy PC depends on several factors. Reliable anti-virus (AV) protection + anti-malware (AM) + regular housekeeping.
    I always assumed AV was all I needed, I was wrong. When I installed an AM program (freeware) it found two malware on this 2 year old PC.
    I had assumed AV would have stopped them. I have also learnt that assuming to delete all found malware can be dangerous too.

    I didn't know that my tweaking the registry can be identified as malware.
    I drive my wife mad with my "diligence". But she concedes it works because I keep her web-pc alive and working.
    - I cannot understand "people" who do not archive what they learn --- I used to use paper records but it was just getting too much,
    - and the clay-tablets were getting heavy! ()
    - TXT files are very light files. All kept in a "Helpers" folder -- and with a third party program "FileSearchEX" neccessary for Win7 -- finds "contents")

    The AM program provides an optional log (why optional? it is essential) and I just google the logged item "description" and I got my answers.
    Many nervous moments of what to quaratine and what to keep.
    (I use the log file to enter what I have done and why, so if I really stuff up I have a record of what I have done.

    Housekeeping is my week point -- I dont realy know what to do. Scan disc (or is it check-disc?) + defrag are about my limit.
    I recently read that "cache" and cookies can be cleared. But I am not sure "how?" and "if?" and "when?" ..... (another thread?)

    Your link to User Account Type - Change AND Repair Install
    look very interesting and I will persue them, before the new PC is attached to the web.

    We vintage PC'ers just have to get with the program. We are ludites at heart.
    My wife hated computers and reluctantly took a job in a call center, still hated computers until I showed her the web. Now she is hooked.

    There is almost no help for seniors (or nervous younger people) that I could find on the web.
    Most help is presented by geeks who (sometimes) know their stuff and assume we old-farts know what UI means (User interface ?!)

    One good thing about Win7 is I found "Seven Forums" -- and as I master Win7 I will reluctantly concede -- improvement (arrrggghhh!)
    (there I said it! ... but don't tell anyone!)
    ---------
    If I am allowed to say (delete this if you must) ...
    ... open your wallets, pc protection is cheaper than paying a geek to fix it -- and pay something for freeware, don't be mean
    ... learn something new everyday and save it as a TXT file on your PC (date it so you know how old the info is)

    Malwarebytes (anti malware) -- (free version) installed with AV turned off, and dont forget to reactivate AV after
    Kaspersky Anti Virus -- looks overwhelming but in my 20 years of PC'ing it is worth learning, vastly superior to other big name$
    - I spent weeks trying to find how to safely install AM with AV because they can clash
    FileSearchEX -- to find files and/or contents in Win7 Windows Explorer -- open your wallets, essential for Win7
    Metapad -- instead of MS-Notepad -- Metapad (freeware) does not minimize when I click another window (optional) -- leaves Notepad for dead
    ClipX -- a (free) clipboard program that remembers upto the last 1024 clips and is simple for us OFs.

    Progress is mans ability to complicate simplicity! Thor Heyerdahl, who proved a reed raft could survive crossing the Pacific ocean
    - why didn't he book his tickets on line and fly, it would have been quicker and drier !!
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 10,994
    Win 7 Pro 64-bit
       #4

    I enjoyed reading your post and found myself nodding in agreement. I also found this Forum after buying a machine with Windows 7 installed. Two things stand out: the wealth of knowledge contained in the tutorials and the wealth of additional or supplemental knowledge provided by the Forum members themselves.

    Windows 7 is truly a "set it and forget it" OS compared to previous operating systems. For average users, I honestly believe that the default settings and an occasional check disk, disk cleanup and defrag are pretty much all that's needed to keep 7 humming along. For the more advanced (or adventurous) users there's still plenty that can be customized. One of my personal favorite tutorials:

    Optimize Windows 7

    And then there's all the rest in alphabetical order with new tutorials added quite frequently:

    Windows 7 - Tutorial Index

    As one of the Forum Administrators says in his signature (his "About Me" tab), "There are no dumb questions, just the people who do not ask them." I encourage you to ask whatever questions you might have as you get to know Windows 7.

    When I first started using 7 I thought I'd never leave XP. Now I see XP as a vintage automobile, nice to take out for a nostalgic drive but not for every day use. I predict you'll feel the same way.

    Lee
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 4,049
    W7 Ultimate SP1, LM19.2 MATE, W10 Home 1703, W10 Pro 1703 VM, #All 64 bit
       #5

    Screenshots


    GrayGhost2 said:
    - I cannot understand "people" who do not archive what they learn --- I used to use paper records but it was just getting too much,
    - and the clay-tablets were getting heavy! ()
    - TXT files are very light files. All kept in a "Helpers" folder -- and with a third party program "FileSearchEX" neccessary for Win7 -- finds "contents")
    Don't forget that screenshots are your friends. :)

    I have "How To" folders for Windows and Linux on my Documents partition.
    I create sub-folders to store information about fixes, tips and tricks.
    I place txt files, Word docs and screenshots in them.

    I back up my Documents partition (and others) every month, BEFORE I install the MS Patch Tuesday updates.
      My Computer

  6.    #6

    I've never met an experienced user who runs the corrupt bloated factory preinstall which throttles Win7 from its native performance. I'd follow the steps to get a perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

    This also solves your problem because an Admin user account for you is set up when you install which works perfectly.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 1,002
    XP Pro (x86) | 7 HP (x86) & (x64) | 7 Pro (x64)
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Hi "Marsmimar"
    "Seven Forums" is a refreshing experience.
    Many other forums can be rather off-handed and sometimes dismissive of us with limited Windows expertise. Especially those of us on the older side of 65, because PCs are a minor part of our life experience. And then there are the younger 30s, 40s, and 50s who see it as all to hard or complicated and overwhelming.

    I started with Amstrad 560kb (ASCII only) PC back in the dark ages. Then Windows 95 and so on.
    Win2000, WinXP (I have had a love affair with XP -- I guess because I know it so well, my "Helper" folder with over 400 TXT files certainly helps.
    (I have decided to update my profile to better represent who I am)

    Thank you for your generosity of spirit and patience.
      My Computer


 

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