With the introduction of the Vista Operating System, Microsoft dramatically changed its security model for protecting users from malicious code. One aspect of this security is that users will now need to authorize every program each time it is run. In addition, to prevent background operations, each program will drop from user control before starting. In many instances this security will prevent many programs, such as eBooks and shareware from registering password authorization.

Most programs written for earlier versions of Windows will also work in the Vista version of Windows, but some specialty programs, programs that need Hard Drive access, require password entry or many older programs might run poorly or not at all. If a program doesn't run correctly in Vista, you can use the Program Compatibility Wizard to change the compatibility settings for the program. Warning! Do not use the Program Compatibility Wizard on older antivirus programs, disk utilities, or other system programs because it might cause data loss or create a security risk.

While it is possible to manually set “Run as Administrator” for each program by “Right Clicking” it's icon link and choosing the “Run as Administrator” option, this is a temporary fix and must be done each time the program is run. For a more permanent solution follow the 12 steps below. 


STEP: 1
Click on the “Start” button and choose the “Help and Support” option. This should open the “Help and Support” window.

Near the bottom of the page is a numbered list of links under the heading “Information from Microsoft.” Choose link number 2 “Get your programs to work on this version of Windows.”

STEP: 2
A new window will open. Again, near the bottom of the page is another numbered list under the heading “Run the Program Compatibility Wizard.” Choose link number 1. “Click to open the Program Compatibility Wizard.”

STEP: 3
Click “Next.”

STEP: 4
Leave the selection at “I want to choose from a list of programs” and “Click Next.”

STEP: 5
The program will generate a list of programs registered in Vista. Select the program you want to modify and “Click Next.”

STEP: 6
Select a compatibility mode for the program i.e. “Microsoft Windows XP (Service Pack 2)” for example 
and “Click Next.”

STEP: 7
“Click Next.”

STEP: 8
This is a very important option -- select “Run this program as an administrator” and “Click Next.”

STEP: 9
This screen shows the “Compatibility” information that you've chosen. “Click Next.”

STEP: 10
Vista will ask you to confirm the settings and then “Run” your program. If your program started properly you can close the program down. Next you will need to confirm “Did the program work correctly.” You should select the first option “Yes, set this program to always use these compatibility settings” and “Click Next.”

STEP: 11
Select “Yes or No” and “Click Next.”

STEP: 12
Finally, “Click Finish” to complete the process.

Rerun the “Program Compatibility Wizard” for any additional programs you need to run in enhanced Administrator mode.