[kpleahy]

I am 4 months new to vista and am not to thrilled with it. When I am trying to install or uninstall some software (i.e. itunes 7) I get a message "the system administrator has set policies to prevent this installation" I could scream. I can't find "Windows Installer" on my computer to disable it (if that's the solution) because clearly I am not smart enough for that! Help - why is this happening. I have no other users and I am the administrator. i use Mcafee user accounts. This just started happening.

[pjhutch]

Windows Installed is required to install .msi files (which iTunes usually comes in). You need the Windows Installer service running. You can do some checks with the msiexec.exe command.
Try running GPEdit.msc and see if any local policies are set: Computer Config, Admin Templates, Windows Components, Windows Installer.

[kpleahy]

I am embarrassed to say - I do not know how to do what you are saying to do. I used to have XP and could find my way around. I can't even figure out how to "run" something on my new computer because I cannot find the "run" command anywhere. Just talk to me like a preschooler and I will go from there.

[DaveA]

Try the "Windows key +R" and the run command with open.

[kpleahy]

I'm still lost. I don't know what I am looking for or trying to fix. All I know is that the error message comes up when I try to install an update to itunes or uninstall lightscribe. I need step by step help. Sorry to be such a pain.

[crjdriver]

The run command is not there because by default it is not on the start menu. You can however choose to have the run command; just right click on the task bar and properties>start menu>customize.

Next I would check control panel>user accounts to make sure your account has admin priv.

[kpleahy]

The best response yet. Thanks. I now have the Run command. I am the administrator and the only user...any ideas on how to deal with the error message? Thank you so much for helping me!

[kpleahy]

BTW, I tried to run GPEdit.msc and I get an error messgae "windows cannot find"

[crjdriver]

GPedit is a function of vista business, enterprise, and [probably] ultimate. If you have vista home, I doubt you will have gpedit.

What I would do is uninstall both problem apps. Run for a few days and see if it reboots. If it does not reboot or give any problems, go to the site of the app ie Itunes and whatever else. See if there are any updated versions and or patches.

[kpleahy]

I love that idea but I can't uninstall anything now. The error message above comes up even when I try to uninstall. I've checked users. I am the only one and i am "administrator". Windows is telling me I am not authorized to do these things and I have to contact the administrator! I'm gonna cry!

[crjdriver]

When you check accounts, do you see yours and an admin account, guest account, etc OR do you just see your account?

Have you disabled UAC [user account control]

[pjhutch]

Try turning off User Account Control: Control Panel, User Accounts, User Accounts,
Turn User Account Control on or off.

[frostybutt]

Sounds like you know vista real well. Would you know where to look for a history of sites my computers been on?

[kpleahy]

You are my hero!! I turned off User account Control and now I can download and uninstal without a problem. I do get the "your computer is in danger" message when I restart because I have it off. Is my computer in danger? Also - In my user accounts - it says "mom and dad"& administrator. The Administrator was a default folder and it is empty. Mine is the "Mom & Dad". When I go into mine - It has "administrator" checked. How do I make the administrator folder and mine the same? Could that be my problem.

[crjdriver]

Glad it worked for you. I have uac turned off and I do not get any msg however I use vista enterprise so that may be the reason.

Your computer is not in danger from having uac turned off however it can allow an app to be installed without your knowledge; ie by a web site, etc. As long as you watch what sites you go to AND what you click on, it should be fine.

By default when you install vista, it creates some accounts ie admin, guest, and yours when you input your name. It is fine like that.