Can't Access User Account Control Settings

Redkinger · 26 Aug 2014

Hi there, my problem is that I'm unable to access my UAC settings - there is no Admin password installed, I'm operating as a standard user. every time I try to download a program onto my computer - the "User Account Control" dialog box appears and tells me to type in the Admin password then click "Yes" but the Yes option is not highlighted and so you can't go forward and so you click on "No" to get out of it and you try again without success. I created another user account and it also started to do the same thing after a little while. I would appreciate any help as it's driving me nuts. I can't download any programs - I've gone into Control Panel/Security Systems/Action Centre/Change User Account - it the dialog box appears again and everything stops again. thank you

Ztruker · 26 Aug 2014

Enable the hidden Administrator account, see here: User Account Password - Change from WinRE

Then login as Administrator and make one of the other accounts an Administrator and give it a password, see if that helps.

Redkinger · 28 Aug 2014

Hi Ztruker,

thank you for your help with the following - will this delete any of my file/folders as I don't have complete backup of all files? also, finding it difficult getting to start/find the System Recovery Option menu - not sure where to begin the "boot to WinRe" as instructed. where do I type this in? as you can tell I'm not too good with computers - but I'm trying.

Ztruker · 28 Aug 2014

Step 1 has a link to Windows Recovery Environment
That's how you boot WinRE.

Then follow the rest of the steps one aty a time.

Redkinger · 28 Aug 2014

Hi Ztruker,

Still having troubles getting started - when I turn my computer on it goes to the screen where you choose the user - I select the user and it goes straight to the desktop screen - from there how do I go to the WinRE/ System Recovery Option menu? I looked on the Windows 7 disc supplied/came with the computer, but I still can't workout where to go with it. sorry for being difficult. how do I boot to WinRe I've looked at the instructions many time and still can't work out how to start - it's not that clear for me. can you please let me know how I can get through this. I've printed out the steps to Boot to WinRe but not sure how to start. can you please help me. thank you.

Ztruker · 29 Aug 2014

You need to follow the links in each tutorial.

Windows Recovery Environment tutorial:

2. Boot into the Advanced Boot Options screen.

Redkinger · 31 Aug 2014

Hi Ztruker,

I tried to go through the steps again - WinRE - I've found the command prompt and entered the commands from step 3 - but couldn't get past the third part of commands - ren cmd.exe cmd.old commands not sure what else I can do. I've attached a screen print of were I'm at. thank you

Ztruker · 01 Sep 2014

You need to follow

OPTION TWO

Using a Windows 7 Installation or System Repair Disc

in System Recovery Options

You boot the Windows 7 installation DVD or flash drive.
Then you follow the directions here: User Account Password - Change from WinRE
to enable the hidden Administrator account.

Ztruker · 01 Sep 2014

If you do not have a Windows 7 installation DVD, or it's not up to the Service Pack level currently installed, you can download a legal copy with SP1 integrated from here:

Windows 7 Direct Download Links

Make sure you get the same version you have, Home Premium, Pro or Ultimate and 32 or 64 bit. Note that Basic or Starter is not available.

I recommend using ImgBurn at 4X speed (or the slowest available) to create the DVD from the downloaded .iso file. Just be careful during the install not to accidentally install some of the bundled junk that comes with it. Always take The Custom Install option.

You can do this on any computer capable of burning a DVD.

YOU MUST HAVE A VALID KEY TO INSTALL THIS .ISO.
The one on the COA sticker on your computer will work.
If you are just using the Recovery Console you do not need a key.

You can also create a bootable USB Flash drive (4GB or larger) to install Windows 7 from.

Download and run Universal USB Installer Easy as 1 2 3
Select Windows 7 from the first drop down list, all the way to the bottom
Select the downloaded Windows 7 iso file
Select your USB flash drive
Click Create

Redkinger · 03 Sep 2014

Hi Ztruker,

I did as you have mentioned - Option 2 - I installed the windows 7 disc and restarted the computer - it prompted - I pressed any key and it began to start windows and it proceeded to the user icon. there was no WinRe screen to work through these steps from Option 2. I tried it 6-7 times and it still did the same thing.

If nothing else works - can I reinstall the windows 7 package - this should removing all settings - and wipe clean the hard drive? With the current situation, I'm unable to download any material/programs. what do you think? I'll keep trying the re-boot Option 2 - thank you