How can I set user environmental variables (such as PATH) from a non-administrator account on Windows 7

Question

How can I set user environmental variables (such as PATH) from a non-administrator account on Windows 7?

On Windows XP I could go into the Advanced Settings in the System Control panel. However, on Windows 7 I get asked to provide an Administrator password.

Answer 1

Ah, found an answer at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/931715

To resolve this issue, modify the user environment variables by using the User Accounts item in Control Panel. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, type Accounts in the Start search box, and then click User Accounts under Programs.

   If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.

2. In the User Accounts dialog box, click Change my environment variables under Tasks.

3. Make the changes that you want to the user environment variables for your user account, and then click OK.

Answer 2

You can search for 'edit environment variables for your account' should come up as a Control Panel item. If a variable doesn't exist for the user i.e. 'PATH' you can create it. You'll find that what you create as a user is merged with what is set by the system.