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May 26th, 2012 04:00
How to install to current user only?
I have a Vostro 430, Windows 7 Professional. I have 4 users including me. The others are standard users; I administer and am a user.
When I install any and all software, I notice that it installs it for all users. If I delete the desktop icon of the software on another user's area, if find it deletes it for all. I would like to be able to choose when to install on all, and when for a given user (in most cases, myself).
I suppose there is a switch in the registry that controls this. Most software I've installed, except for professional software like an MCAD application, doesn't ask you if you want to install to Current User or all. It does it for all.
Any help/insights is appreciated.
Thanks,
Vincent
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theflash1932
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16.3K Posts
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May 26th, 2012 09:00
Many (but not all) programs put a shortcut to it in C:\Users\Public\Desktop, which shows the shortcut for ALL users. If you want the shortcut to show for some, but not all users, you need to put the shortcut in each C:\Users\username\Desktop folder. Note that by doing this, they can still access and run the program by going to Start, All Programs or simply browsing to the installation directory.
The ability to install for a specific user only must be written into the installer for the program by the software vendor; this is not an option you can specify or add yourself. If your program does not give you the option to install for All Users or Just Me (many vendors do not take advantage/use this option), then you will need to get creative.
Parental Controls can be used to block/allow particular programs on an account by account basis. Some programs, like Internet Explorer, cannot be blocked.
Another option is to install your application to a different directory - one you have full control over (you do not have control over folders in the Program Files folder in Windows 7). For example, you can create a folder called C:\newapp, then during the installation of your program, specify that folder as the location to install to. You can then block/allow access to that folder to particular users as needed.