[Rob1960]

I'm brand new to Vista. What is the most quick, easy & correct way to LOG ON and LOG OFF as administrator. Tech information seems to suggest a varietyof different ways.

Thanks

[jeffroimms]

If you are using the default account, then you are already using the Administrator Account. The reals Administrator access kicks in if require - you will be aware of this because the screen will dim and the UAC box will appear to draw your attention to the fact that you are about to make a system change or use you Administrator capabilities.

[jeffroimms]

Otherwise you run your machine in a reduced capability mode to prevent accidental damage to the O\S, This does not reduce your capabilities just steps you away slightly from accidental damage.

Part of the idea behind this was to slow down those people who click everything without paying attention and then blame MS or whatever other software they are using for their own actions.

[davehc]

In the default situation, you are only using a local Admin account.
In XP, we were all used to automatically being logged in to the Global Administrator, which gave more priviliges. You can access this also in Vista.

Type "cmd" into the start menu search bar, right click the cmd icon and select "run as administrator".

Now type:

"net user administrator /active:yes"

Reboot and you'll be able to login using the Global Administrator.Just be aware that this account gives complete and free access to your entire system (as does any program you run under this account!).
If you have up to date antivirus and anti spyware installed, there is no more reason, than in XP, to fear this, but it is a good idea to log in, normally, to your user account.
I run permanently in the Admin account and have not encountered any problems so far.

[Rob1960]

What is the proceedure to LOG OFF? Thanks.

[davehc]

Click the START orb then click the small arrow to the right and at the end of the icon strip.
It will give you the option to log off. This will return you to the login screen. If you have followed my previous post you can then log on as the user or as the Global Administrator.
Or perhaps you mean "Run as Administrator"?
Right click the *.exe file you want to run and select ""run as Administrator" When you are done, you will be returned automatically to the original users configuration.

[Zhizara]

At the log on screen, right click on the down arrow at the right of the user space, click on administrator and then enter your password.

If necessary, go to control panel, user accounts and set up your own account as administrator.