what user groups am I in?

spiderplant0 · 11 Aug 2010

Hi, I am unable to edit and save a file in c:\program files (x86)\ (e.g. if I open the file in UltraEdit, make changes and try to save the file).
After a bit of googleing, the problem might be down to me not having the correct permission for this folder. When I look at the folder properties - security, it list several groups but not my user name. So my question is, where can I view/change the list of groups that I am a member of.
Also, do I just give myself 'full control' of this folder to be able to save edits? Or should I set the 'read only' attribute for this folder off?
I am on Windows 7 home proffesional.
Thanks.

mitchell65 · 11 Aug 2010

Hi Spiderplant and Welcome to the Forum

First off it would be helpful if you completed your system specs then we would not need to ask for details every time you posted a thread.
Can I ask what file you want to edit in your Programs folder. Dabbling here can cause your programs not to function properly unless you know exactly what you are doing!

Jonathan_King · 11 Aug 2010

Hello,

See this brand-new tutorial: User Account Type - Change

Perhaps change your account to Administrator and see if that does the trick.

DeaconFrost · 11 Aug 2010

By design, you shouldn't be making changes to those files in the Program Files directory. However, if you need to know what groups you are in, open Computer Management and check under Local Users And Groups.

User Accounts - Add or Remove from Groups

spiderplant0 · 11 Aug 2010

Hi, Thanks for the speedy replies.
I'm transferring stuff over from my old Windows XP machine and I need to edit some .ini files etc including some stuff for my own scripts and things. I appreciate that Windows 7 has these restrictions for a reason but I'm more interested in 'getting under the hood' and messing about as a way of learning how it all works. I regulary roll back to CloneZilla disk images so I'm not to bothered if I break my installation.
Anyway, I looked under: Start > Control Panel > Administration > Computer management
but there is no 'Local Users And Groups'. See screen capture attachment.
My Account is already an Administrator. (i.e. under Control Panel > UserAccounts).
I looked at the tutorial and 'netplwiz' did the trick. It turns out that I'm a member of 'Users', 'Administrators' & 'Home Users'.
For the programs folder properties the administrator group has all permissions ticked except for 'special permissions'.
I was just wondering if anyone knew the best way to allow editing of files in this folder before I go off experimenting.
Cheers.

Ztruker · 11 Aug 2010

I can edit files in that folder. I wonder if turning off UAC would allow you to do what you want?

See here: Turn User Account Control on or off

spiderplant0 · 12 Aug 2010

Thanks Ztruker, that worked.
I also discovered that if I right mouse click over the 'UltraEdit' program shortcut and select 'run as administrator' it allows me to save the file. But this doesnt help when I want to open by launching UltraEdit by right-clicking over the file in windows explorer. So I think I just disable the UAC.

mitchell65 · 12 Aug 2010

spiderplant0 said:

Thanks Ztruker, that worked.
I also discovered that if I right mouse click over the 'UltraEdit' program shortcut and select 'run as administrator' it allows me to save the file. But this doesnt help when I want to open by launching UltraEdit by right-clicking over the file in windows explorer. So I think I just disable the UAC.

So if all is OK now will you mark this thread as "Solved". To do that just click the red triangle at the top of this post and type in "Resolved" and Admin will give it the green tick.