Add “Run As” to MSI Files
One thing I have found annoying about Windows XP is the fact that they don’t put Run as in the context menu for MSI files. I have an admin user/pass for some computers and like to install a few small applications to make life easier. To do this on restricted computers you simply right click on the file, select Run as and enter the user/pass. An MSI file is similar to an EXE file because they install software to the computer.
If you need to enter a username and password to install files, there is a way to do it via command line, but what fun is that? Here is how you can add Run as to the context menu of MSI files on Windows XP.
- Run regedit.exe under an account with administrative privileges
- Create the key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Msi.Package\shell\runas\
- Set the default value to Run &as…
- Create the key HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Msi.Package\shell\runas\command\
- Set the default value to msiexec /i “%1″
Now when you right click on your MSI file, you have the Run as command!
Categories: Quick Tips
