How to change default user information

[LostInCanada]

I have "inherited" a computer from from older sister and
would like to change the default user name for Windows.
For instance, when I try to change the My Documents
folders from her name to mine, I get a message indicating
that I cannot change a Windows operating file name. I am
assuming that this has something to do with the original
name that was entered when Windows XP was setup.

I would appretiate any help on this issue.

thnaks

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

LostInCanada wrote:
> I have "inherited" a computer from from older sister and
> would like to change the default user name for Windows.
> For instance, when I try to change the My Documents
> folders from her name to mine, I get a message indicating
> that I cannot change a Windows operating file name. I am
> assuming that this has something to do with the original
> name that was entered when Windows XP was setup.
>
> I would appretiate any help on this issue.
>
> thnaks

You cannot simply change a file name that belongs to an account. You need to
create a new account to use with your preferred name. Make sure this account
has Administrator privileges. You can then log on to this account and delete
the old user account. You will be prompted to delete the files and settings
for the old account. If you wish to use these files, do not delete them, at
this point. To access the files for the old account, you will need to take
ownership of those file first.

The following articles will guide you.

HOW TO: Create and Configure User Accounts in Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=279783

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308421

How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=811151

--
Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

LostInCanada wrote:
> I have "inherited" a computer from from older sister and
> would like to change the default user name for Windows.
> For instance, when I try to change the My Documents
> folders from her name to mine, I get a message indicating
> that I cannot change a Windows operating file name. I am
> assuming that this has something to do with the original
> name that was entered when Windows XP was setup.
>
> I would appretiate any help on this issue.
>
> thnaks

You cannot simply change a file name that belongs to an account. You need to
create a new account to use with your preferred name. Make sure this account
has Administrator privileges. You can then log on to this account and delete
the old user account. You will be prompted to delete the files and settings
for the old account. If you wish to use these files, do not delete them, at
this point. To access the files for the old account, you will need to take
ownership of those file first.

The following articles will guide you.

HOW TO: Create and Configure User Accounts in Windows XP:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=279783

HOW TO: Take Ownership of a File or Folder in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=308421

How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile:
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=811151

--
Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User