Sony VAIO Power Management as a Limited User

I recently switched to running XP as a limited user after getting a virus. However, I soon realized that I couldn’t use my Sony VAIO S260’s power management features anymore. When I went into the VAIO Power Management tab, everything was grayed out. Logging in as Administrator, I could create profiles, but then I wouldn’t be able to see them in a regular user. Here’s the solution:

1. Allow the limited user account (LUA) to change power options. This will let you change the Windows built-in options, but not the VAIO-specific options.
2. Temporarily make your LUA administrator either manually (requires logout/login) or using MakeMeAdmin.
3. Open up the Power Options control panel (powercfg.cpl).
4. Set up your power profiles as you want them, using the VAIO Power Management tab. These will be visible since they’re created in your own user account, rather than Administrator’s.
5. Now you’ll be able to switch between profiles without using MakeMeAdmin–just click the battery icon in the notification area. Changing the VAIO-specific options of profiles still requires MakeMeAdmin though.