[jcmac]

I recently set up a password protected admin logon, along with an unprotected limited logon, on my WinXP system to prevent installation of unauthorized software (I have teenagers). Now I have a number of programs and pieces of hardware that refuse to function without admin authority. The old Mustek scanner and Microsoft Picture It 2000 I can understand, but the newer Kodak camera dock and photo printer I can't. Kodak's response to the problem is, in a nutshell, "too bad - learn to live with it". Is there a way to limit the ability to install/uninstall software while still providing the admin authority some programs/hardware demand, without separate logons?

[smax013]

jcmac said:

I recently set up a password protected admin logon, along with an unprotected limited logon, on my WinXP system to prevent installation of unauthorized software (I have teenagers). Now I have a number of programs and pieces of hardware that refuse to function without admin authority. The old Mustek scanner and Microsoft Picture It 2000 I can understand, but the newer Kodak camera dock and photo printer I can't. Kodak's response to the problem is, in a nutshell, "too bad - learn to live with it". Is there a way to limit the ability to install/uninstall software while still providing the admin authority some programs/hardware demand, without separate logons?

With Windoze XP, I believe it is an "all or nothing" approach to user accounts. I don't believe there is a "middle ground" built into the OS. It is possible that Windoze Vista might offer a middle ground. The advent of the much maligned UAC (user access control) suggests that maybe Vista does offer a middle ground.

You could look to a third party application. A Google search led me to a program called Folder Guard. It appears to do what you want. I have never used it, so I don't know how good or realiable it is, but you could try out the demo.

[jcmac]

Thanks. I'll take a look at it.