Tom, Do you run Vista as an admin? If you run as a limited user, then take a look at the software I mentioned here:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/power-pro/message/35369 I've been using it on XP with my LUA account but it works with Vista too. See if it makes your interaction with that OS easier. I'm loving it, whatever I need to elevate is painlessly simple and very comfortable to use.
