Writing to the registry and VirtualStore

Hi

I have an application that needs to move to Windows 7. The issue is that it writes to the registry (HKLM > Software => <Application Name>). The issue is with VirtualStore it redirects the registry write to the VirtualStore for each user. This would be fine but different users log into the same machine. This is a massive problem because one of the things the application uses the registry for is a counter. So ever users that logs in throws off the counter. Now I have only found three work around and don't like any;

1. Give all users owner rights to the registry keys in questions.
2. Run the application as administrator.
3. Run the application in Windows XP mode

Problem for option 1 is to get this approved through my IT security will be near impossible, at best a month long battle. Knowing the problem with option 1 option 2 seems like a pipe dream. The issue with option 3 the user base of this application could not handle it.

Is there any other way of doing this? Even if they are worse at least I can make a case for the "best of the worse".

Thanks.

It is very important. It generates an unique ID that if not unique generates lots of errors.

The ID are displayed and have to typed in therefore a GUID is not an option, also there are 5 years of ID. Lastly (and most importantly) I can not change the code.

Not not familiar with Helper Service. Doing some google searches I am assuming you mean Application Host Help Service. Although it seems most results are how to disable. Any chance you point me in the right direction on how to configure and run?