Vista64 File-Mangement Question

[cytoSiN]

FYI, I'm a huge Vista noob, so please bear with me...

I can't seem to download directly to any folder in "Program Files (x86)."

Instead, Vista seems to automatically reroute/"move" incoming downloads to the ".../appdata/roaming..." folder in my User folder.

E.g., I receive a file through DCC in mIRC, and I save it in "Program Files (x86)/mIRC/download", the file won't actually be there when I go to look for it. Instead, it's in the "/appdata/roaming/.../mIRC/download" folder, which I didn't create and have no idea what it even is. Further, when I go to download the same file and tell it to save it in the same place (in the program files folder), it says it's already there even though it clearly isn't when I'm looking in explorer (instead it's in the appdata/roaming folder).

I guess if it works it works, but I just can't understand why Vista needs to seemingly duplicate the directory tree when I want it to just put the files where I tell it to.

Also, I looked up the properties of the "Program Files (x86)" folder and some of its subfolders, and they all have the read-only box marked...not checked, but colored in...and I can't seem to get rid of this (it will let me remove the mark, but then it puts it right back). I think it's because on my admin account it's not read only, and on other accounts it is, but I just figured I'd mention it here in case it's relevant...but I don't think it has anything to do with why Vista is using the appdata folder for downloads.

Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[Brazen]

You shouldn't be putting files in the Program Files directories anyway (only installation routines should do that). Apparently, Vista is "protecting the user from himself".

 

[cytoSiN]

Originally posted by: Brazen
You shouldn't be putting files in the Program Files directories anyway (only installation routines should do that). Apparently, Vista is "protecting the user from himself".

Haha that may very well be true. But I've been logging and downloading in mIRC and other chat programs for so long that I'm used to having files saved in the directories of the programs (AIM logs in AIM folder, mIRC logs in mIRC folder, etc).

Not that big of a deal, but it's just weird that it doesn't even let me specify where I want to store that stuff, it just defaults it to the appdata folder. Also, why put it in roaming as opposed to local?

Thanks!

 

[NewMaxx]

If you want, you could modify the security of the folders to allow all users of the PC full access, but I generally just use a second drive with mirrored program files (security on that drive is, by default, full access) and install selected programs there. As for AppData, XP had a similar folder you could unhide, it's just a place to store program data. The definition of "roaming" is effectively stuff you can take with you, while local is specialized to that particular computer.

 

[cytoSiN]

So basically, I either need to create shortcuts to the appdata folder on a storage drive for easy access, or I can right click on the specific appdata folders I want access to elsewhere, and click "location" and then move them to the storage drive?

Thanks.

 

[NewMaxx]

What I'm saying is, programs might not be able to save to their Program Files folder because they need permission to do so. Running them as Administrator might help, but it's easier just to right-click the folder (the program's folder under Program Files) and give full access to Users under Security. AppData is typically used for temporary files or as an alternative download location, you should be able to save to Program Files just fine if you set the program up right and have the security. Another option, which is what I employ at least partially, is to simply install programs I know that will do this - FlashGet for example - on my D drive, under D:\Program Files (x86), for example. This secondary drive doesn't have the protection that your OS's Program Files does, but as I said above, you can change the security if you want.

 

[cytoSiN]

Originally posted by: NewMaxx
... it's easier just to right-click the folder (the program's folder under Program Files) and give full access to Users under Security. AppData is typically used for temporary files or as an alternative download location, you should be able to save to Program Files just fine if you set the program up right and have the security. ...

Duh! As I said, I'm a Vista noob. I'll just mess with the security for mIRC and AIM and whatever and see how it goes. Thanks!

Also, is there a way to force a program to *always* run as administrator?

 

[Brazen]

I'm pretty much a Vista-noob, too. I was just giving my 2 cents worth on why that is probaby happening. Anyway, I _think_ the "feature" you are dealing with is called "folder redirection". You might check it out on wikipedia or google for it for more information.

 

[NewMaxx]

Originally posted by: cytoSiN

Duh! As I said, I'm a Vista noob. I'll just mess with the security for mIRC and AIM and whatever and see how it goes. Thanks!

Also, is there a way to force a program to *always* run as administrator?

Right-click its .exe file (or shortcut), Properties, Compatibility tab, "Run this program as an administrator."

 

[corkyg]

Run as Administrator can work. But - why not just download to "My Received Files" - then boot to Safe Mode and move or copy the download where ever you like. You can also temporarily turn off or disable UAC.

 

[ebaycj]

Originally posted by: cytoSiN

Originally posted by: NewMaxx
... it's easier just to right-click the folder (the program's folder under Program Files) and give full access to Users under Security. AppData is typically used for temporary files or as an alternative download location, you should be able to save to Program Files just fine if you set the program up right and have the security. ...

Duh! As I said, I'm a Vista noob. I'll just mess with the security for mIRC and AIM and whatever and see how it goes. Thanks!

Also, is there a way to force a program to *always* run as administrator?

Why not just change the directory that mIRC saves DCC'd files to?