Can't install software: bogus not administrator error

Question

I have a 4-year-old Dimension 8100 running Windows ME (Miserable Edition?). Yesterday,
I tried to install a new program. The InstallShield generates the message something like "You must have administrator privileges to run setup"
I've installed dozens of programs on this machine; I'm the only user!! How do I get my administrator privileges back.

Thanks for any assistance. -Walt

Sput · Answer

Could be you've been hacked.  Have you check your system for spyware or adware? Are you on a home network, or are you a remote user for work, school? Sput

waltlerh · Answer

Thanks for the suggestions. I've scan with the most recent update of Spybot and "no immediate threats" were found. I use Zone Alarm as a firewall but nothing is perfect. While I can't rule out the someone/something has taken over, it might be of low probability.

I'll try installing something else to see if its program specific or the system in general. Thanks. -Walt

ky331 · Answer

unless i'm mistaken, the concept of 'administrator privileges' only pertains to newer operating systems (Windows NT, 2000, and XP), but not to win ME.   that being the case, have you checked into the program's minimum requirements?  --- in blunt terms, does the program you're trying to load require windows NT, 2000, or XP in order to run???

Sput · Answer

Walt, don't know if you have resolved the problem or not but assuming you have not.

Have you installed the Net Watcher part of ME or enabled reomote administration services?

If you aren't certain you can check each of these. For net watcher go to add/remover programs select the windows setup tab, scroll to system tools, select details and see if Net Watcher has a check mark (meaning selected) by it. If so it is installed if so and you do not a home network or are logging into a remote system, uncheck the box that should uninstall it.

For Remote Adminstration services go to the control panel, open up the passwords icon, select the remote administration tab and see if the check box next to "Enable remote administration of this server" is check. If so uncheck it.

waltlerh · Answer

@ky331 wrote:

unless i'm mistaken, the concept of "administrator privileges" only pertains to newer operating systems (Windows NT, 2000, and XP), but not to win ME. that being the case, have you checked into the program's minimum requirements? --- in blunt terms, does the program you're trying to load require windows NT, 2000, or XP in order to run???

Good idea! I was trying to install the demo of Battlefield 2 when I got the error. I checked EA games and their web site says that the main game should run under ME so I assume that the demo should, too. However, this problem arose after installing Silent Hunter III which uses the StarForce copy protection scheme. I've heard some grumblings about this protection in that it seems to have some unintended consequences but I don't know anything more specific than that. I really should try to find an old game or something and see if I can install it to see if the problem is general or application specific. Thanks again for your suggestions.

waltlerh · Answer

Still haven't resolved the problem but thanks for the suggestions. I looked for NetWatcher under the Windows setup tab but didn't find it. Also, the "Enable remote adminstration of this server" was not checked so I guess that neither solution seems to apply.

However, this problem arose after installing Silent Hunter III which uses the StarForce copy protection scheme. I've heard some grumblings about this protection in that it seems to have some unintended consequences but I don't know anything more specific than that. I really should try to find an old game or something and see if I can install it to see if the problem is general or application specific. Thanks again for your suggestions.

Windows General

Can't install software: bogus not administrator error

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