1. You are viewing our forum as a guest. For full access please Register. WindowsBBS.com is completely free, paid for by advertisers and donations.

Registration error

Discussion in 'Windows XP' started by williamdp, 2003/10/14.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. 2003/10/14
    williamdp

    williamdp Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/10/19
    Messages:
    130
    Likes Received:
    0
    Hi. Folks, I have just realised that when I first logged onto WindowsXP Home Edition three weeks ago I made an error in the spelling of my name. Is there any means by which I can amend this. Regards, William.
     
    williamdp,
    #1
  2. 2003/10/14
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

    Joined:
    2002/12/17
    Messages:
    6,585
    Likes Received:
    74
    Hi williamdp!

    Your misspelt name is in a number of places in the registry.
    Are You familiar with the registry?

    Click Start > Run > type "regedit" without the double quotes and click OK.

    Start by making a backup of the registry in case anything should go wrong.
    Make sure that "My computer" is highlighted at the top of the tree.
    Click Archive > Export > choose a location easy to find, give the file an easy name to remember and click Save.

    Click Edit > Search > type the misspelt name and click Search next.

    When You get a hit, right-click the name of the key > choose Change > amend the misspelt name and click OK.

    Hit F3 (Function Key 3) to continue the search for the next hit and keep on until You get the message "No Further Hits" or words to that meaning.

    Close the Registry Editor and restart the computer.

    After a week or so, if everything works OK You can delete the backup.

    If You don´t feel good about this, ask for further advice.

    HTH,
    Christer
     
    Last edited: 2003/10/14
    Christer,
    #2


  3. to hide this advert.

  4. 2003/10/14
    williamdp

    williamdp Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/10/19
    Messages:
    130
    Likes Received:
    0
    Hello. Christer, Thank you. That is too complicated for me. Perhaps I will leave it alone. Cheers. William.
     
    williamdp,
    #3
  5. 2003/10/14
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

    Joined:
    2002/12/17
    Messages:
    6,585
    Likes Received:
    74
    I don´t know of an easier way to do it and generally, editing the Registry is kind of treading on thin ice ...... :eek: ...... it can break under ones feet.

    In addition to that, Your name is in quite a few places which makes it a tedious task.

    Maybe it´s easier to go to the National Registration Office and change it there ...... :D ...... (only joking)

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #4
  6. 2003/10/15
    williamdp

    williamdp Inactive Thread Starter

    Joined:
    2002/10/19
    Messages:
    130
    Likes Received:
    0
    Hi. Christer, Many thanks. Cheers, William.
     
    williamdp,
    #5
  7. 2003/10/15
    goddez1

    goddez1 Inactive

    Joined:
    2002/01/12
    Messages:
    2,975
    Likes Received:
    49
    Have you tried something like:

    Going through the Control panel to the "user accounts icon" and clicking on your account. One of the first options is to change your name.
     
    Last edited: 2003/10/15
    goddez1,
    #6
  8. 2003/10/15
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

    Joined:
    2002/12/17
    Messages:
    6,585
    Likes Received:
    74
    Hi Ann!

    Are You sure that this will change the name in the paths to his folders in "Documents and Settings "?

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #7
  9. 2003/10/15
    goddez1

    goddez1 Inactive

    Joined:
    2002/01/12
    Messages:
    2,975
    Likes Received:
    49
    No, your absolutely correct. It will not change the "documents and settings "\mispelledusername\*. I was under the impression that the logon and the startup menu misspellings were the main problem. There the most obvious and constant reminder. Putting myself in williamdp's shoes, I know this would drive me crazy.

    Hmmmm,
    "Annn ", looks a bit like a Caterpillar or inch worm don't you think.

    The only other work around besides the registry fix, which I'm not sure is such a good idea, is creating a new account and copying the current account profile to it. Should be the same but with a correctly spelled name for logon, startmenu and "doc* and settings "\path. Once the duped profile is checked out for function the old one can be deleted or left as is for a profile backup [a safety account in case the current one becomes corrupt].
    NOTE*It is most important not to delete any account until you are sure all applications open, all privileges, all personal data access is the same.

    Copy user account:
    http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/win_xp_logon.htm#usercopy

    Or microsofts how-to:
    http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;811151
     
    Last edited: 2003/10/15
    goddez1,
    #8
  10. 2003/10/16
    Christer

    Christer Geek Member Staff

    Joined:
    2002/12/17
    Messages:
    6,585
    Likes Received:
    74
    When I installed XP on a friends computer, I misspelt his name. I found it out immediately and the entries in the registry were not so numerous.

    However, after a while the registry becomes littered with the username, e.g. hotfix XYZ installed by username and so on.

    I wouldn´t dream of doing it on my own computer, it would probably be quicker to reinstall clean ......

    Christer
     
    Christer,
    #9
  11. 2003/10/16
    JSS3rd Lifetime Subscription

    JSS3rd Geek Member

    Joined:
    2002/06/28
    Messages:
    2,221
    Likes Received:
    27
    The answer to a registry search is Registry Detective. It is now available from PC Mag only by subscription, but I downloaded it before they began charging, and will send it to anyone who requests it by email. The zipped file is 595 KB in size.

    Using Registry Detective is simplicity, itself ... type in what you want to search the registry for (in this case, williamdp's misspelled name) and the program displays every instance of it. Highlight each, in turn, right-click and select "Launch RegEdit ", and RegEdit opens at the designated registry key, where the necessary change can be made.
     
    JSS3rd,
    #10
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...