Tip: Bypass the UAC (Extra Tricks)

So if you have read my latest tip, Disable UAC for Certain Programs, you may notice some problems. For one, it takes some time for the program to load when you click the shortcut. Also, a black box flashes before it opens. Another problem is the icon's logo is not the program's logo. Wouldn't it be nice if these problems were fixed? In this edition of Tips, you can add bells and whistles to your UAC Bypassing shortcuts. Read More...

The fix for the black screen and the slow boot up is simple:

1. Right Click on the Desktop Shortcut
2. Click Properties
3. Select the Shorcut Tab
4. Click the drop down box next to run and select Minimized
5. Click Apply and then OK

The other problem with the icon can be fixed by:

1. Right Click on the Desktop Shortcut
2. Click Properties
3. Select the Shortcut Tab
4. Click Change Icon
5. Click Browse
6. Navigate and Select your Program and then press OK (See the previous tip for help on finding it's location)
7. Click the icon and click OK
8. Then click Apply and then OK again

These simple fixes will help enhance the shortcuts so they function just like the real thing, but without the UAC. You may have noticed in the last article there was a problem. When you tried to click the icon nothing appeared. I apologize for this mistake and it is currently fixed (Thanks Vista Forums!!!).

Tip: Disable the UAC for Certain Programs

In my previous article, we learned the two ways to disable the Windows Vista UAC: a command prompt hack and through command prompt. It is not a good idea to disable the UAC for extended periods of time due to security vulnerabilities and programs gaining unauthorized access to your computer. Most of us though, are so annoyed with certain programs being blocked by the UAC. The reason for this is because the program needs to perform an administrative task such as accessing the internet (Browsers are exempt), and editing and deleting files in system folders (Such as Program Files and the Windows folder). In fact, you probably disabled UAC because it blocks one of your programs that you use frequently. There is hope. With a simple little trick using the task scheduler, you can run your programs with administrative privileges without the UAC bothering you! Read More...

So how does this miracle trick work. Well, in Windows Vista (and XP) you have a task scheduler. Since most programs that are scheduled require confirmation from the UAC, Microsoft added a run with highest privileges check box. This would allow programs to run automatically (when scheduled) without the hassle of clicking continue on the UAC prompt. This is how we are going to run your program. Simply create a task, check the run with highest privileges, and make a shortcut to run the task. Here's how to do it in detail:

1. First click Start and then All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Task Scheduler.
2. Click allow if you are prompted by the UAC (You should be unless it is disabled).
3. In the left hand column, right click on Task Scheduler Library and then click New Folder.
4. Name it UAC Bypass and click the OK button.
5. Now click the arrow next to Task Scheduler Library.
6. Right Click on your new folder and then click Create Task.
7. Name it with the name of your Program and type a description. (Remember the Name, we will use it later)
8. Make sure to check run with highest privileges at the bottom.
9. Click the actions tab and then click new.
10. Select Start a Program from the drop down box.
11. Click the browse button and find your program (It should be an .exe; If your not sure where it is, see the instructions for finding it's location below)
12. If you have any arguments such as /AUTO (Which runs in the background) in CCleaner, type them in the arguments box.
13. Click OK
14. If you have a laptop, click the Conditions tab and uncheck Start the Task Only if the Computer is on AC power.
15. Click the OK button.
16. Now go to your desktop. (You may close the Task Scheduler)
17. Rick Click and go to New>Shortcut.
18. Type (And replace [Program Name] with the name of your TASK):
    C:\Windows\System32\schtasks.exe /run /tn "\UAC Bypass\[Program Name]"
    
19. Give it a good name.

Finding the Location of your Program

1. Right click on the program's shortcut on the desktop.
2. Click Properties.
3. It's location is in the target box under the Shortcut Tab.

And there you have it. Now when you try to run the program, it will run without the UAC prompt. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for this tip: include it in a comment, post it on the forums, or PM us through our Youtube Channel.

Tip: Disable the Delete Option for the Recycle Binin Windows Vista

If you right click on the recycle bin in Windows Vista you will notice the normal right click menu with all the options. Wait, there's a delete option. How can that be! You can delete the recycle bin!! Well, actually in Vista you can. Microsoft decided instead of hiding it you could simply delete it. I never understood why Microsoft added this feature, but it would get pretty annoying if someone on your computer deleted your Recycling Bin. There is a way to un-delete it, but how about permanently un-deleting the Recycle bin. Read More...

1. All you have to do is download this file: DisableRecycleBinDelete.zip (File From HowtoGeek.com)
2. Click Open when prompted
3. Double Click "DisableRecycleBinDeletion.reg"
4. Click Allow
5. Reboot Your Computer
6. To Enable Deletion: Complete Steps 1-2, Double Click "EnableRecycleBinDeletion.reg", Click Allow, and Reboot Your Computer

How-To: Disable User Account Control (UAC) in Windows Vista

Some people absolutely hate Windows Vista, and some love it, but they all agree on one thing: Vista's new security feature UAC (User Account Control) is very annoying. For almost anything (Ok; Maybe I'm stretching it a little) you do, Vista asks: Would You Like to Be Less Productive? Cancel or Allow. Sometimes when you are installing lots of programs or performing lots of administrative tasks you want a way to rid of the annoying prompts. While there is a way to do this, let me make one suggestion: Do not disable UAC for extended periods of time. If you leave it off your computer will be very vulnerable to attackers. Read More...

There are two ways to disable the UAC. The first uses command prompt and the second, control panel.

Method #1: Command Prompt

1. Click Start
2. Type "cmd" (Without Quotes)
3. Right Click the Run Result and then click Run as Administrator
4. Type the following in command prompt:
   C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe /k %windir%\System32\reg.exe ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v EnableLUA /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
5. To enable complete steps 1-3 and then type C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe /k %windir%\System32\reg.exe ADD HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v EnableLUA /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
   

Method #2: Control Panel

1. Click Start
2. Click Control Panel
3. In the Search box at the top right type: "UAC" (Without Quotes)
4. Click "Turn User Account Control (UAC) on or off"
5. Click Allow
6. Un-check the "Use User Account Control (UAC) to Help Protect My Computer"
7. Click Ok
8. Restart You Computer
9. To Enable Complete Steps 1-5, Check the Check box, Click OK and then restart your computer