Unable to (automatically) Update in Windows 10

panosh

Can someone spell out how to modify the Zotero program directory to be writeable by my user account? This is for a Microsoft Windows 10 operating system. Thank you.

bwiernik

What exactly is the error you are getting?

panosh

Here is the message I get:

Unable to Update
A recommended update is available, but you do not have permission to install it. To update automatically, modify the Zotero program directory to be writeable by your user account.
You can always get the latest version of Zotero at:
https://www.zotero.orgn/download

bwiernik

Has your IT department generally prevented you from installing programs on your computer, or are you normally able to do so?

panosh

This is a personal computer. Other updates initiate the update sequence and ask for the "administrator's" login. Zotero prints the message without prompting for admin credentials.

bwiernik

@dstillman I don’t recall the details of the upgrade process on Windows. If Zotero is installed without adminstrator privileges, it should require them for upgrade, right?

adamsmith

The problem as I recall it is if Zotero is installed with admin privileges. It then requires those same privileges to update. The only way I'm aware of getting that done is to actually run it as admin to update, which isn't user friendly.

What I'd recommend as a workaround is to uninstall Zotero and then re-install it, but this time don't input admin credentials when prompted (just click no). Zotero will install in a local folder and you'll be able to update it.

panosh

"All" updates except Zotero behave the same way. They prompt for admin credentials.
Zotero assumes I don't have them and posts the message:"Unable to Update."

As for adamsmith's recommendation, don't do it! :-) Basically, download the next version. While installing it, it recognizes an instance of the application exists and prompts to update/upgrade. This is what I did this AM.
Again, someone has to figure out how to make Zotero behave like the rest of updates so that updating doesn't require manually downloading the latest executable.

adamsmith

I agree what I suggest is a workaround (which is why I called it such -- this does need to get addressed properly), but it's a good workaround.
Once you have Zotero set up as a non-admin application, automatic updates will apply without any further hassle. If you keep it as admin you either have to re-install for every update or run Zotero as admin for every update.