Should I run XP as Administrator or Limited User?

[mattyjoe]

Hi everyone. I recently upgraded to XP Pro SP2, and just wanted to see what other folks are doing out there. I'm the only user of this computer, and I'm currently only using the one Administrator account that was created automatically by Windows (the Guest account is turned off). I heard somewhere that it is safer not to run XP in Adminstrator mode, since that opens you up to attacks from trojan horses, etc. The theory is to create a limited User account and run Windows from there. If you need to install applications or make other system-wide changes, you can always restore Administrator privileges to your User account.

What do you think of this? Do most of you run XP from a limited User account for safety reasons, or do most people use an account with Administrator privileges for the power/convenience? I tend to make changes to my system quite frequently, so while I like the idea of less risk, I'm worried that I might need to switch privilege levels constantly.

I welcome your comments.

[IamGerhard]

I always use a limited account for internet. Never get any problems with viruses etc. Everyone always complain about everything going wrong on their PCs. Whenever you're logged on in a limited account and need to install software, just right click on exe file and choose 'run as' (most Control Panel items acn be found in System32 dir *.cpl - Right click on them 'run as', same for regedit.exe etc).

Of course you still have to be sensible in what you download, where you download from, and what sites you visit. These little appz that always install itself automatically from the net on your pc cannot do so since only you can choose to do so. I use to have a s**tload of problems before but since SP2 with Windows Firewall and popup blocker I no longer have any. Been that way now for 4 months (6 people in the house all male (p*rn loving).

Whenever I need to make major changes or install updates that Auto Update downloaded I simply log off limited and on to admin.

To make a long story short - Limited for internet - Admin for offline.

[mercman90]

I believe that you should use an Administrator account for everything. Even though you are more likely to get attacked, it's easier for you when you have to install a program or edit the registry. Also, if you're Limited and you try to edit the registry, you'd have to change the acct type back to Administrator to make changes in HKCU.

[mattyjoe]

Originally Posted by IamGerhard

I always use a limited account for internet. Never get any problems with viruses etc.

OK, Gerhard, you convinced me. Well, and I also read what Microsoft has to say about the issue here:

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/d...not_admin.mspx

So, I went ahead and created a new Admin account, and changed my old account to Limited status. I'll use my Limited account for most tasks, with the right click tip you gave me, and I'll use the Admin account for major changes/installations.

My next question: Is there any way to migrate all of the settings from my old user account to my new Admin account? I would hate to have to change all the settings manually. Is it possible to use the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard to migrate settings between different users on the same system? Just a thought. If not, has anyone out there come up with an easier way to do it?

Thanks in advance.