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topwiz

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Changing a shortcut's (icon) target

I'm running XP Home in a limited user account. Some games require me to run in an Admin account. Hence, I right click the applicable start menu shortcut (icon) and select "Run as..." which solves the problem.

I wonder if it's possible to change the shortcut's (icon) target (right click shortcut, properties, "Shortcut" tab) so I can directly enter the Admin username/password? This will save me a few clicks.

Here's a sample of COD2's shortcut target: "C:\Program Files\Activision\Call of Duty 2\cod2sp_s.exe"

Please demonstrate answer by modifying COD2's target. Thanks.
Avatar of kcarrim
kcarrim

See if this applies > http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=301634
Btw, why don't you give yourself admin rights if you know the admin password?
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ASKER

I have increased points to 500. Please don't bother posting time-wasting comments.

Please demonstrate answer by modifying COD2's target (above). I'm NOT intersted in any other piece of information.
Topwiz,

You can right click --> properties your shortcut, click "Advanced", then click "Run with different credentials."  Now everytime you click this shortcut it will prompt for user and password.

I understand this is not accomplished by changing the target but I think this is the closest you will get.
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ASKER

ejoech,

Thanks, you're close but the reason I wanted the target changed is so the Administrator can be pre-selected, hence all I have to do is key in the password.

I think it's possible with the Microsoft Runas command.
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ASKER

BTW, when demonstrating answer by modifying COD2's target (above), please use my details below:

My computer name: "XPC"

My limited user account: "malG"

Please test the suggested target FIRST. Thank you.
It should just be this:

runas /user:Administrator "C:\Program Files\Activision\Call of Duty 2\cod2sp_s.exe"
Here you go.

Type this in target:

"runas /user:Administrator "C:\Program Files\Activision\Call of Duty 2\cod2sp_s.exe"

You should get a command line prompt for the password and it should open upon verification.  Works fine for me.  Let me know if you have any problems.  Hope this is what you are looking for !
Ah, sorry.  I was too late!
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ASKER

Divulsive, it brings up a prompt for the Administrator password but after keying it in, the game refused to start. Some sort of an error occurred.

ejoech, I can't even save your target in the target box, an error say: "name target box is not valid. Make sure the path and file name are correct."

Did you guys try this while using a limited account?
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
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prashsax

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Hey topwiz

Someone trying to help you is not wasting time. There's no need to be a dick. If you don't like what they have to offer don't give them the points.  This is Experts-Exchange.com not BurgerKing.com.

Why run a limited account when you have access to the Admin account.  It is utterly illogical, and kinda stupid to fight Microsoft, and expect people here to pop into a limited account for you.  If you have ADMIN rights, then run that way and be done with it.
I agree with you scrathcyboy ;o)
Right click it, select Properties, and then click on the Advanced button in the Shortcut tab. In there, check off "Run with different credentials."
Avatar of SStory
Sounds like a permissions problem for the game.

Why not determine what directories, registry ,etc that the game needs full control on and give the permissions?

You can use CACLS command line utility to grant rights to files/folders, or boot in safe mode and use the normal GUI to set permissions.

2.) You can use regedt32.exe to grant permissions to registry keys.  Works like a charm for apps I have used.

Fix the issue by granting permissions and you want need to do what you are trying to do.

my two cents worth. :)