[HowTo] Have the Windows Explorer shell as a different user

You know that you can RUNAS almost everything in a Windows machine…indeed “almost” means that not all the programs, utilities and tools can be RUNASed, especially the Windows Explorer that is really useful when changing file/folder ACL, opening the control panel with admin privileges and other tasks where you obvioulsy need it.

Normally you should logoff the user, logon with admin account and perform your task, but there’s a trick to have the Windows Explorer open with admin privileges.

1. At the command prompt type your RUNAS command (e.g. RUNAS /USER:DOMAIN\UBERADMIN CMD) and provide your password
2. Once the new command is open with the admin account, move to the C:\PROGRAM FILES\INTERNET EXPLORER folder (it may be in a different directory depending on your locale settings or installation) and launch IEXPLORE C:\

Et voilà, this will open Internet Explorer but on local drives (it is always the same shell) with your admin privileges activated.