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User2 user can't access programs installed by User1

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by rebecca, 2005/10/08.

  1. 2005/10/08
    rebecca Contributing Member

    rebecca Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I installed Open Office on my computer while logged in as User1. The program works fine for me, but it doesn't show up on User2's list of Start>All Programs, and when he tries to open a document, he gets a message saying there's no program to open that kind of a file. (Both users are administrators accounts)
    What do I need to do differently to ensure that any programs installed on the computer are accessible to both users?
    Thanks!
     
    rebecca,
    #1
  2. 2005/10/08
    Whiskeyman Lifetime Subscription

    Whiskeyman Inactive Alumni

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    Whiskeyman,
    #2


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  4. 2005/10/08
    rebecca Contributing Member

    rebecca Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Thank you! :)
     
    rebecca,
    #3
  5. 2005/10/08
    Whiskeyman Lifetime Subscription

    Whiskeyman Inactive Alumni

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    You're welcome.
     
    Whiskeyman,
    #4
  6. 2005/10/08
    rebecca Contributing Member

    rebecca Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I rebooted the computer, and still wasn't able to open any documents with Open Office under User2. Not only that, but the shortcut for creating a new text document with Open Office on my own (User1's) desktop had gone from an Open Office icon to a generic Windows icon. I think it's because I'm dealing with an actual program, not just a file. I moved it out of Shared Documents, back to Program Files on C:, and now the program is back in order for me. But I'm still left trying to figure out how to grant User2 "permission" to use the program!
     
    rebecca,
    #5
  7. 2005/10/08
    Whiskeyman Lifetime Subscription

    Whiskeyman Inactive Alumni

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    Try logging in as Adminstrator and installing it then use the sharing feature.
     
    Whiskeyman,
    #6
  8. 2005/10/08
    rebecca Contributing Member

    rebecca Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I think the problem is that I have to extract files before installing the program, and the extracted files defaulted to C:\My Documents and Settings\Rebecca...
    To where should I direct the extracted files so that the program will ultimately be accessible by both users?
     
    rebecca,
    #7
  9. 2005/10/08
    Whiskeyman Lifetime Subscription

    Whiskeyman Inactive Alumni

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    Create a new folder so you end up with C:\Program Files\OpenOffice
     
    Whiskeyman,
    #8
  10. 2005/10/09
    rebecca Contributing Member

    rebecca Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    The program was saved under C:\Program Files, but when I right clicked on Properties for Open Office under User1's list of programs, it showed up as C:\Documents and Settings\User1\Start Menu. So I looked to see how User2's Start Menu\Programs folder differed from User1's - sure enough, there was no Open Office listed for User2. I doubt this was the "proper way" to resolve this, but what I did was copy the Open Office folder from User1\Start Menu\Programs and paste it in User2\Start Menu\Programs. At least now User2 can use the program!
    Thanks for your guidance, Whiskeyman!
     
    rebecca,
    #9
  11. 2005/10/09
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    Rebecca,
    as a non Open Office user:

    I believe that the installer creates the necessary folders in C:\Program Files during installation.

    I don't think the issue can be fixed through 'file sharing'.

    In Windows Explorer, navigate to C:\Documents and Settings\... If you have hidden files and folders to be shown, there should be an ...\All users\Start menu\Programs, ...\User1\Start menu\Programs and ...\User2\Start menu\Programs

    Programs listed under 'All users' can be accessed and used by both of you. Since User2 can not access Open Office, I assume that Open Office has ended up under User1. Right click the Open Office folder under User1 and choose 'copy'. Navigate to the corresponding location under User2, right click and choose 'paste'.

    Log out User1 and log in User2. Try to use Open Office and tell us what happened.

    Christer

    Edited:

    Hmm ...... :p ...... I need to speed up my typing!

    Edited again:

    You don't need to show hidden files and folders to see 'All users'
     
    Last edited: 2005/10/09
    Christer,
    #10
  12. 2005/10/09
    rebecca Contributing Member

    rebecca Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Hi Christer, welcome back!
    Yes, the program works for Gary now too. I'm still not sure why some programs end up only in my Start Menu\Programs.
    Having read your post, I decided to try moving the program to All Users\Start Menu\Programs (and deleting them from my and Gary's individual folders) - and it works!
    Thanks for the hint about checking out All Users!
     
    rebecca,
    #11
  13. 2005/10/09
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

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    Most programs get installed to be used by all users and the start menu items end up under 'All users'. Some installers ask the user if only the currently logged in user should be able to use it or if all users should be able to use it and the location of the start menu items will vary accordingly.

    I have twenty-two applications installed, nineteen under 'All users' and only three under 'Christer'. Two of the latter are DOS applications and I created the start menu folder for them myself. The third is Replicator but I don't remember if I was asked about it. (Being the single user, questions may not be asked.)

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #12
  14. 2005/10/09
    DumbTerminal

    DumbTerminal Inactive

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    Openoffice can be a pain in the @$$ sometimes for multiple users or on a network.
    There is a network installation option for multiple users, but it looks like you've got it solved.
     
    DumbTerminal,
    #13

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