For what it's worth, I don't 'runas Administrator' - this causes problems when you're trying to set config that is stored on a per-user basis, or when the application you're trying to run with elevated priveleges needs access to your user's registry or file store.
Instead, I use MakeMeAdmin.cmd (see first google entry for it), which temporarily elevates your own user's privs, fires off a new cmd shell, and then reduces you to a limited user again. The cmd shell (appropriately colored red) retains Admin privs, but is still running as your own user, as does any program you launch from that window.
I've also found the PrivBar toolbar (same site as MakeMeAdmin, above) for Windows explorer to be dead handy - it adds a coloured circle to Explorer's toolbar which indicates what privs that process has.
I didn't get this setup working on Vista before losing patience with it and installing Ubuntu over it, so it only works on XP for me personally.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Commenting by HaloScan
