Installing Software on ME IT-Managed Windows OS Computers

Installing Software on ME IT-Managed Windows OS Computers

Mechanical Engineering computers have a security policy in place that restricts execution of applications and scripts to default Windows folders like C:\Program Files. 

When you have a choice, ALWAYS install your application for all users which will install it to C:\Program Files or C:\Program Files (x86). This will usually require administrator rights.

Exceptions: If the application will not install to a default Windows folder, you may need to contact ME IT for assistance with your installation. In some cases, applications might need to be installed in one of our pre-defined white-listed folders (requires login to UT Wikis first).

NOTE:  Developers/programmers should develop code or scripts in one of the white-listed folders in your Windows profile (requires login to UT Wikis first).

Installing software on your Engineering computer, please follow one of these two methods.

NOTE:  It is against UT policy and dangerous to use your administrative account for every day use including reading email and browsing the web. Use an admin account for elevating a User Account Control (UAC) prompt. DO NOT use it as your primary user login account. Administrator access will be revoked permanently if it is abused.

Method #1 (Recommended)

  1. Copy application installation file(s) to C:\Software.

  2. Right-click the executable and choose "Run as Administrator".

  3. Enter your administrator account and password when prompted.

  4. Most programs should be installed in "C:\Program Files" or "C:\Program Files (x86)".

  5. If given the option, ALWAYS install for the ALL USERS or for the ENTIRE computer.  

    1. Exceptions: In some cases, applications might need to be installed in one of our pre-defined white-listed folders (requires login to UT Wikis first).  Be VERY CAREFUL if you chose this option. Software may behave unexpectedly when installed in non-typical folder paths.

Method #2 

  1. Copy the installation file(s) to a white-listed folder (Here is a list of white-listed folders - requires login to UT Wikis first).

  2. Double-click the executable.

  3. Enter your administrator account and password when prompted.

  4. Most programs should be installed in "C:\Program Files" or "C:\Program Files (x86)".

  5. If given the option, ALWAYS install for the ALL USERS or for the ENTIRE computer.  

    1. Exceptions: In some cases, applications might need to be installed in one of our pre-defined white-listed folders (requires login to UT Wikis first).  Be VERY CAREFUL if you chose this option. Software may behave unexpectedly when installed in non-typical folder paths.