Front-End doesn't work

[Joram]

I'm trying to get back into this game. I installed the latest patch and notice two things.

1) The matrix front-end won't work. Keeps telling me to go to configure and fix my serial number. However, serial number is fine, even tried re-entering it.

2) Clicking on ww1 exec shortcut works just fine so I don't need the silly non-working front-end. However, even though I've installed 1.05, the version number still says 1.04g. Should I be alarmed?

[Capitaine]

Think you have a Vista problem.  You apparently need to install the game/patches as the Admin.  Something like that (don't have Vista).  If that's not it, maybe someone else will offer help.

[Joram]

I wasn't sure if I believed you but it turns out you're right!  Thanks!

So how's this for obnoxious behaviour:
If I run the game and config shortcuts directly without 'run as administrator', it comes up with 1.04g.

If I run it configued to 'run as administrator', it comes up as 1.05f. 

Seriously folks, hundreds of game companies have figured this out, why can't Ageod.   I guess I will permanently configure the shortcuts to run as administrator but hope i remember this in the future with the next dozen patches.

edit - almost forgot to mention the most obnoxious thing. If you run the front-end it tells you to go run the Config program to re-enter the serial number. Fine but unless you know you need to run the Config program in admin mode as well, you're not going to get anywhere. Very annoying.