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updated January 17, 2008
Create a Password Reset Disk
Create a Password Reset Disk in Windows Vista to reset a user account you forgot the password for.more
Add an Exception in the Windows Vista Firewall
Learn how to open a port or allow a program through the Windows Vista firewall.more
Change How Security Center Alerts Me
The Windows Vista Security Center is very useful but can be very annoying at times with those little pop-up messages when your security is not up to its standards.
This guide shows you how to change how the security center notifies you.
Change How Security Center Alerts Me
1. Open the Security Center by double-clicking its icon next to the time or type Security Center in the search box in the start menu and click Security Center.
2. Click Change the way security center notifies me in the left column of the security center window.
3. Click Don’t notify me but display the icon.
Now you will see the security center icon next to the time but you won’t get those annoying pop-up messages.
Set a Program to Always Run With Administrative Privileges
By default all software doesn’t run with administrative privileges in Windows Vista. Most software that needs administrative privileges to run properly will work because Windows Vista uses registry and file access virtualization to fool the software.
Software that truly needs administrative access (ex. Command prompt, task scheduler) can easily be set to run with administrative privileges.
Set a Program or Shortcut to Run With Admin Privileges
1. Browse to the programs .exe file location and right-click the .exe file or right-click the shortcut to launch the program.
2. Select Properties.
3. Click the Advanced button.
4. Check off Run as Administrator in the Advanced Properties box.
Note: Since you’re running this program with administrative privileges you’ll be prompted by UAC ever time your use the software as a security precaution.
Turn the Windows Firewall On or Off Individual Network Connections
If you have more than one network connection you can turn the Windows Vista firewall on or off each individual network connection.
Turn Vista Firewall On/Off Individual Connections
1. Open the firewall settings from the control panel or type firewall in the search box in the start menu and then click Windows Firewall.
2. Click Change settings
3. Click the advanced tab in the Windows Firewall Settings box.
4. Uncheck each network connection you don’t want the firewall to protect.