I have a local admin user that cannot save to or edit any configuration files under C:\Program Files (x86) this is a 2008 R2 std machine. any idea? I have turned off uac

This is expected, I think since Vista. It is not UAC. Check permissions in Windows Explorer (on the "Security" tab when you view folder properties) and you will see that Administrators have no permissions in c:\Program Files (x86). However, I find that Administrators do have permissions in folders under this folder, such as those created by setup programs. Also, Administrators have permissions in c:\ProgramData, which is where configuration files should go for applications. Program Files (x86) should just have the code for 32-bit applications. Richard Mueller - MVP Directory Services