How to run the dos command prompt (cmd.exe) as an administrator?

When you try to use the dos command feature in Windows Vista on occasions it will not work because it needs to be run as an administrator. Sometimes you might type a command in, and the dos command box either flashes on the screen or appears to do nothing at all.

How to run the cmd.exe as an administrator in Windows Vista and Windows 7?

1. Go to the start menu and press on it.
2. Type cmd into the search bar at the bottom.
3. Do not press enter.
4. Look up to the top of the star menu. You should see cmd.exe listed there.
5. Right click on this. A menu will appear.
6. Choose to Run as administrator.

You can also go the long way by clicking Start | All Programs | Accessories,
then right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as Administrator.

See the screenshot below for more details.

Why do I have to run cmd as an administrator when I am already admin?

Windows Vista does not care if you are admin or not. For certain things to work you will need to run as admin. However if you are an average user you will have to actually type in an administrator password to access certain prive ledges.

See in the screenshots below. The first screenshot shows I am running cmd.exe as an administrator, and the second shows me running cmd as a normal user.

How to always permanently run the cmd window as administrator?

If you do not want to have to continually choose run as administrator every time you want to use the cmd window then can set this option as permanent. You must follow these steps to make this work. If you take the shortcut to cmd.exe in the start menu it will not work. You must choose Command Prompt in this case.

1. Go to the start menu and press on it.
2. Go to all programs. Then Accessories.
3. You should see command prompt listed there.
4. Right click on this. A menu will appear.
5. Choose properties from the menu.
6. The properties for that shortcut will appear.
7. Go to the shortcut tab.
8. Click on the Advanced button.

1. The Advanced Properties will appear.
2. Put a tick in the box next to Run as administrator.
3. Press ok.

Now the Command Prompt shortcut will always run as admin.

Notes on running the cmd prompt as administrator.

• You can also choose to run other programs as administrator the same way.
• Once you have set the Command Prompt to run as admin you can drag it to your quick launch toolbar. You must drag the right shortcut from the start menu though…The cmd.exe shortcut will not do.
• Now you are running as admin you should take ownership of your files.

This post was written by...

Mitz – who has written 728 posts on Computer Tips.

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