/RunAsTrustedInstaller

A Windows command-line utility and Explorer extension to run programs with TrustedInstaller privileges.

Primary LanguageC++MIT LicenseMIT

RunAsTrustedInstaller

A Windows command-line utility and Explorer extension to run programs with TrustedInstaller privileges.

Description

On Windows, TrustedInstaller privileges can sometimes be helpful for modifying or deleting criticial system files and folders that are protected by the OS.
Likewise, there may be a need to deal with certain registry keys that are protected by an ACL that restricts access to the TrustedInstaller account.
The utility was developed as a standalone executable and does not require any installation.

Starting with Release 0.2, a Shell Extension Handler can optionally be installed, which provides an additional "Run as TrustedInstaller" context menu entry for .exe files in Windows Explorer. Note that both RunAsTIShellExtension.dll and RunAsTI.exe need to reside in the same directory.

Getting Started

Compilation

MSBuild RunAsTI.sln

Alternatively, you can simply open the RunAsTI.sln Solution File in Visual Studio and compile from there.

Usage Examples

Delete a file that cannot be deleted the regular way:

RunAsTI.exe cmd.exe /c del C:\Windows\system32\foobar.dat

Open the Registry Editor to view/modify/delete registry keys/values which are not accessible in normal operation mode:

RunAsTI.exe C:\Windows\regedit.exe

Install Shell Extension Handler:

RunAsTI.exe /install

Uninstall Shell Extension Handler:

RunAsTI.exe /uninstall

Version History

  • 0.2
    • Added Shell Extension Handler support
  • 0.1
    • Initial Release

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.