Changing user names when selling XP computer

Windows XP establishes a primary user account which is used in Logon as well as in Win Explorer. Win XP does not allow you to change the folder name in Explorer and I'm not sure if you are allowed to erase that primary user account. I know you can establish another user but I would like to get the original owners name changed to the new owner in the Explorer listing as well as in the Logon account. I have tried the 'Control userpasswords2' and 'User Accounts" in Control panel but that doesn't cut it! Wouldn't you think transferring or selling a computer would allow you to get your name out of the system?

 

Changing the primary user name on Win XP computers

I bet there is a lot of used computers floating around with the original owner's name in the Explorer folders!! If you can use the restore disks reconfigure Win XP, it certainly doesn't make sense what Microsoft wouldn't allow the main user name to be changed!! There has to be some procedures to search, find, and change the user name to the new owner with out completely starting over and reinstalling everything.

 

Hi Landisj.

There is a very simple way to change the Username and remove all references to the old username.

Make sure the account you log into has Administrator privileges. If not, log into the Administrator account.

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How to log into the Administrator account in Windows XP

The built-in Administrator account is hidden from the Welcome Screen when a user account with Administrator privileges exists and is enabled.

XP Home
Boot to a Safe Mode (F8 during boot – after the BIOS's POST [Power-On Self-Test], but before Windows announces that it is loading.).
Choose Safe Mode with networking.

XP Professional, MCE and 64-bit
When logged into your usual account, log out (not restart or shut down)
Press the key combination Ctrl+Alt+Delete or Ctrl+Alt+Del twice in a row.
Type Administrator into the User name: box. Type in the password if there is one.
Click OK.
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Control Panel > User Accounts > Create a new account
Type in a new User account name and then click Next.
Make sure that Computer Administrator is selected.
Click Create Account.

Log out (not restart) and log into the new account. It will take an extra long time due to the account initialization.
Control Panel > User Accounts
Click the OLD account name.
Click Delete the account.
Click the Delete Files button.
Click Delete Account.
Close the User Accounts window.

Keep in mind that this will DELETE all the old account's files in My Documents, Desktop shortcuts and all settings that are individual to that account.

** Be sure to back up your important files and settings BEFORE doing this.

All installed programs will remained installed if they are available to all users.

 

Eliminating old users and ''Log On' window from Win XP

Wincrazy- thanks so much for the timely information- you're correct- old users can be eliminated! BUT one procedure did not work:
Log out (not restart) and log into the new account. It will take an extra long time due to the account initialization.
Control Panel > User Accounts
Click the OLD account name.
Click Delete the account.
Click the Delete Files button.
Click Delete Account.
Close the User Accounts window.

Instead, after logging back as the new user, rather than go to the User accounts because there is no option to DELETE THE ACCOUNT do the following to delete the old user:

select 'Start' then 'Run'. Type in "CONTROL USERPASSWORD2 ". When menu comes up, check the box for users use password, then select the old user name and check 'remove'. Next uncheck the box for users use password and press 'apply'. (if you want to eliminate LOGON at Start up! ) This will bypass the normal log in at Start-up and save changes!! Also, now when you enter the Explore, if any folders still have the old user, you can delete them with out getting a 'Not allowed to remove' message.
Thanks for help 'WinCrazy'!!!