Change name on "Home" folder or new admin

I just got a Mac at ABT Electronics and it was a open box return with the old OSX on it so they instaled it for me. But since it wasnt purchased by me they got all the names wrong. I want to change the home name but I cant find a way. Would it be easier to just get a whole new admin account and delete this one?

Hi There
I suggest creating a new admin user and deleting the current one as changing the name can cause erratic behaviour, just make sure to move any important files over to the new admin user before deleting the current one.
I also suggest creating a standard account to be used for everyday computing eg. checking email, web browsing etc. and just using the Admin account to install software and updates. This also adds an extra layer of security to your machine.
Hope this helps
J.C

Similar Messages

  • How to change name on Home folder?

    I have an Apple iBook PPC G4 1.33 GHz running Leopard OS X version 10.5.8 and with 1 GB Memory. I just purchased this machine, which is in excellent condition, but I have a problem. It is not earthshattering and doesn't threaten the life of the machine in any way, but it is my machine and I would like the Home directory to reflect that.
    The name in the System Preferences for Administrator is "gdavies", which is myself, but the Home Folder in the Finder sidebar is named "macuser". I went in as root user and came close to complete disaster, but got out in time. Having me named as administrator in Accounts but not on the Home directory is unusual. If both were called "macuser" I believe I could fix it, but this requires a greater level of expertise than I have.
    Any ideas how to make home folder read "gdavies"? I just bought this iBook and it came with the Home folder named as "macuser". I changed the computer's name in "Sharing" in system prefs and I believe I may have changed the name in the Accounts. I know I should not have done it that way, but it doesn't help changing it back.
    When I open the Users folder in the Mac HD there are there folders, one called "gdavies" with 10 items, most empty, such as desktop, downloads and so on, though dropbox is there.
    The next folder is the house icon for the Home directory named "macuser" with 38 items and is the working folder. Then there is a folder called "shared", which contains no items.
    How do I change the Home directory name in the Finder window sidebar to "gdavies'?

    Kappy, you are indeed working overtime to help me and I just want you to know how appreciative I am.
    Now, I shall take your answer step by step.
    1. Log into Accounts using the admin password for "macuser". That password and the "other" admin password for gadvies is one and the same. However, done.
    2. Click on Login Options, done - verify gdavies has admin status - done - answer "yes, gadvies has admin status".
    3. Turn off Auto login - done.
    4. Logged out then logged into "gdavies".
    5. Returned to Accounts pane authenticating with "gdavies" password - done. But remember that the admin password is one and the same for "macuser" and "gdavies". Now, I did *not* set it up like that. It just seemed to happen. do I :- )  or do I :- (    ???
    6. Select "macuser" account and using Login options delete. Select the option to remove completely.
    I am sorry Kappy, but this pesky "macuser" sits in the home directory without any account in Accounts. So there is no "macuser" account to delete.
    I went through all the motions and I was sort of hoping that a "macuser" account would *appear* in the Accounts pane beneath the Guest account so that I could delete it, but no such luck. You know, sometimes things like that do happen.
    Thanks a heap for the try, Kappy, I do appreciate you exercising on my behalf "those little grey cells" as Hercule Poirot would say - my favorite Private Eye (Agatha Christie).
    Cheers, Gareth

  • Giving away G5, need to change name of "home" folder

    I'm giving my G5 to my grandson and have deleted most of my files.  I've successfully renamed the computer, but the home folder still bears my name.  What are my options?  I don't want to to a clean install, as I want to give him all my software, some bookmarks, etc.

    Create a new user account in his name and a temporary password. Give it admin status. Log into the new account and delete your old account.

  • Changed name in home folder - all files gone

    i wanted to change the name of my home folder so i right clicked it and renamed it to something else. now all my pictures, music, and documents have disspeared. when i open iphoto and itunes everything is gone. i've found a folder with the original name inside the users folder of macintosh HD, but my files aren't there either. can anyone help?

    Hello, Tommdog.
    This link might be of help you.
    Mac OS X 10.3, 10.4 or later: Return to default desktop, apparent "loss" of home directory
    No Alibi.

  • Changed name of "home" folder, then lost all user settings

    recently bought my computer second hand from a friend. i right clicked on the home folder and changed it's name to mine, restarted, and now i no longer have access to my iphoto directory and my itunes library. i've tried changing the home folder back to what i believe it was before and restarting the computer...but i've had no luck getting my settings back. unfortunately, i think i may have forgotten the original home folder name. can someone help me recover it?

    Not recommended!
    This may help:
    Apparent 'Loss' of Home Folder:
    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107854

  • Changing the name of home folder

    When I set up my machine, I set up the name of my home folder without knowing some of the ramifications of using it. I reviewed the steps in http://www.macworld.com/article/132693/2008/03/changeshortusername.html which seemed reasonably straight forward.
    I created another user called limited, and logged out of my administrators account, and into the newly created "limited" account.
    All of the steps, up to step 10, went smoothly - modified the short name, and Home directory to the desired new name.
    Step 10 required changing the folder name using the following sudo command syntax:
    sudo mv /Users/oldusername /Users/newusername
    I received the following error after I entered the password:
    "limited is not in the sudoers file."
    The only thing I could think of was that the account I created, "limited", was not set up with admin rights - so I went in and selected the "Allow user to administer this computer" checkbox for this account. However, a warning saying the change won't take affect until I logout and back in. I'm reluctant to do this, in case something happens where the Mac requires shutting down before all steps have been completed. I'm thinking of changing the short name and home directory settings (in the Account Preferences) back so they agree with the home folder name, and then redo the process once I know the "sudo" command will work. *Does this seem like a reasonable precaution?* I want to avoid having half the job done in case something happens and the Mac has to be restarted.
    At this point, I don't know if my assumption is correct about the failure to execute the sudo command. Will adding the Admin rights to the account "limited" insert "limited" into the sudoers file? If not, what do I need to do to resolve that problem.
    I've included the steps below:
    ============================================
    1. If Automatic Login is enabled (in Accounts preferences) for the account you’re modifying, disable it. Similarly, if File Vault is enabled (in Security preferences), disable it. You can re-enable these features, if desired, after completing the procedure.
    2. Log in as a different user than the one you want to modify; make sure the account you want to modify is not logged in.
    3. Open the Accounts pane of System Preferences.
    4. If the lock icon in the lower-left of the Accounts window is “locked,” click on it and provide an administrative username and password; this allows you to make changes.
    5. In the list of accounts on the left, right-click (or Control-click) on the name of the account you want to modify; choose Advanced Options from the resulting menu.
    6. In the Advanced Options screen, delete your current short username in the Short Name field, and then type in your desired new short username.
    7. In the Home Directory field, change /Users/oldusername to /Users/newusername, where oldusername is your original short username and newusername is your new short username. Make note of the original and new paths.
    8. Click on OK and close System Preferences.
    9. Open Terminal (in /Applications/Utilities).
    10. Type the following command, all on one line, and then press Return; when prompted, provide the password of the admin account you’re currently using, and then press Return again:
    sudo mv /Users/oldusername /Users/newusername
    (These are the original and new Home Directory paths from Step 7; oldusername is your original short username and newusername is your new short username.) This step renames your home folder in the Finder.
    11. Restart your Mac.

    NibblesNBits wrote:
    When I set up my machine, I set up the name of my home folder without knowing some of the ramifications of using it. I reviewed the steps in http://www.macworld.com/article/132693/2008/03/changeshortusername.html which seemed reasonably straight forward.
    I created another user called limited, and logged out of my administrators account, and into the newly created "limited" account.
    All of the steps, up to step 10, went smoothly - modified the short name, and Home directory to the desired new name.
    Step 10 required changing the folder name using the following sudo command syntax:
    sudo mv /Users/oldusername /Users/newusername
    I received the following error after I entered the password:
    "limited is not in the sudoers file."
    The only thing I could think of was that the account I created, "limited", was not set up with admin rights - so I went in and selected the "Allow user to administer this computer" checkbox for this account. However, a warning saying the change won't take affect until I logout and back in. I'm reluctant to do this, in case something happens where the Mac requires shutting down before all steps have been completed.
    nothing will happen. just log out/in and rerun the command. an account has to be admin to use sudo.
    Message was edited by: V.K.

  • How to change the name of home folder?

    I migrated from an old MacBook to a new one, and in doing so, I imported data into an account which I had given a temporary name. Now I've changed the name of the account in System Prefs/Accounts, and the new name is displayed on startup, but the home folder stubbornly displays the temporary name. If I open the info wondow for the folder, the name field is in gray. Any way to do this? Terminal?

    What you're looking to do is change the short username, which is not as easy as Niel's recommendation, and generally not recommended unless you really know what you're doing.  For full instructions, see:
    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1428
    You're probably better off creating a new account with the appropriate username and then copy data over from the old account.

  • Changed name of home and lost all app config

    I changed the name of my home folder from "matthewcrossley" to "mjc". Much to my dismay I lost all of my safari bookmarks and configurations. Mail also asks me to set it up all over again. I had a highly personalized machine and would like to undue the damage I have done. Any ideas what has happened and how to fix it?
    powerbook G4 15"   Mac OS X (10.4.5)  

    Instead of using those instructions, open the NetInfo Manager application in the /Applications/Utilities/ folder; next, click the padlock and type in your administrator password. In the list of users, locate the matthewcrossley account's home property, and change this to '/Users/mjc' without the quote marks. Don't alter or delete any other accounts, properties, or groups. Log out and back in to restore your data while keeping the new home folder name.
    (11685)

  • Change name on Library folder

    A Macbook had their "names" in accounts changed and lot of trouble started. Apple take note: There should be and warning about this. Its very likly that some want to change these settings. The only warning is a password which is also asked for unimportant operations aswell.
    So this problem is solved. But one persist.
    I cant rename the Libraryfolder back to local language (Norwegian) . If I do, a Library folder with default stuff, is made. When I do cmd-I on the Libraryfolder at the level of harddisk, it has both the english name and the norwegian name. How can I rename the libraryfolder to get the proper local name?

    Hi There
    I suggest creating a new admin user and deleting the current one as changing the name can cause erratic behaviour, just make sure to move any important files over to the new admin user before deleting the current one.
    I also suggest creating a standard account to be used for everyday computing eg. checking email, web browsing etc. and just using the Admin account to install software and updates. This also adds an extra layer of security to your machine.
    Hope this helps
    J.C

  • HELP!  Changed shortname of home folder on Mtn. Lion and now everything is "gone"

    Hello all,
    Last night I was trying to boot up a brand new MacBook Pro using the latest update from my external drive used for Time Machine backups.  It worked great... and then I decided to follow Apple's instructions on changing the shortname (via using a command on Terminal) of my user account because I got married 6 months ago and wanted to change my name.  Now, unfortunately when I sign in on either the new administrative account I had to create to do that OR the original account, I can't access any of my files.  So then I attempted to restore the new computer from my Time Machine backup again to just wipe it clean and redo it.  However, my Time Machine now says my latest back up is 8 days old and it won't find the backup I just did from my OLD MacBook last night prior to trying to boot the new computer from it.  I didn't want to try to figure out what was missing, so I decided to use Migration Assistant over WiFi instead, but that is going to take an additional 7 1/2 hours even from letting it run for the last 7 hours last night.
    SO... is there any way to stop Migration Assistant and just FIND the files that are "hiding" from me since I changed the shortname and now can't find my files?  AND, if I continue with Migration Assistant, is it going to create duplicates of all my files?
    UGH... HELP!!!! 
    -Katie

    Well... I fixed it by using Migration Assistant over WiFi (which took oh, 14 hours or so).  Once my computer had received all the data from the old one (for the second time), I was able to locate the home folder I renamed and delete all of that data so it wasn't clogging up my computer.  Was I thrilled to wait nearly 24 hours after receiving my brand new computer to use it?  No.  But, at least it all works.

  • Login Name and  Home Folder names don't match

    Many months ago I embarked on a mission to clean up a drive which I ported over to another computer and in the process tried to rename the user name but I can't get the home folder to reflect the user's new name.
    On launch the computer has the proper user name but the home folder retained the old user name.
    Is there a way to correct this?
    I am stumped.

    Neil
    I just wanted to let you know that I will not attempt your procedure yet until my wife has finished her thesis.
    I have no reason to believe it will not work but should I make any mistake along the way I would rather have it happen later.
    Once I run the procedure I will be back to mark your advice as a solution and answer to my question. So for now I will leave it marked as helpful.
    Thanks, I appreciate the quick response and look forward to finally having my wife's iBook consistent in terms of user name, in the meantime the machine is working great!

  • Old account name on home folder

    Hi,
    I added a new user account some time ago in Preferences/Accounts. I can't remember all the details now as it was over a year ago but I have removed the old account for the user that did user that Machine so they no longer appear in Accounts.
    I notice that, for the new user of that machine, their home and other credentials still use the old user account name. For instance, the home folder is called using the old account name, Get-info for newly created files/folders shows that they belonge to the old user account name with (me) to describe the permissions.
    Is there a KB article that might help me correct this? I have search but I haven't seen appropriate.
    Thanx in advance.
    Dp.

    maybe these reads can help: one and two
    JGG

  • Importing Home Folder after new hard drive and Lion Update

    (Okay, long title.)
    Had to replace my hard drive. Was running Tiger. 
    Backed up my entire Home Folder only, on an external harddrive, before it failed completely.
    Hard drive replaced, and then loaded Snow Leopard, updated to latest version, 10.6.8.
    Ready now to get Lion. 
    Questions:
    - After I install Lion do I simply use the "Transfer Information to This Mac" feature to bring in my Home folder? 
    - What about the apps that are duplicated, such as Mail, Safari, iCal, etc. Will that be taken care of on its own?
    - What about the iLife apps, GarageBand, iPhoto, etc.? Will I be able to update those to the latest versions?
    Thank you.

    If the username and password combo is identical, then you'll need to unhide the new hidden user's Library folder, then open both home folders and transfer you're stuff. Do note that you might get you can't do that messages. For those items, move the new ones into a newly created Desktop folder, and then you should be able to copy the Tiger ones. Once done, restart so the copied stuff is put into RAM and is available for your other steps, such as reinstalling the apps.

  • Using existing 1Tb Home Folder from new SSD boot drive

    So, I am completely stuck.
    My plan;
    Mac Pro (2008) with RAID card. 4x750Gb drives as RAID5, Home Folder is resident there at 1.25Tb.
    Purchased 160Gb SSD. Performed clean install of 10.6.7 on it connected by e-SATA.
    Migrated Applications. Booted into SSD; Used Advanced Users from System Preferences to point at original Home Folder on RAID.
    My result ;-)
    50% success but many of the sub folders in ~Library are locked with permissions. Preferences, Mail etc.
    Everything is 100% OK when I boot from the original Raid (which is great as a fallback)
    My hope;
    That there is some way that the original Home Folder would be 100% fine when referenced from the new SSD boot drive.
    £1,000,000 to the first MacWiz to help me solve this... (joking about the £1,000,000 but I would be very, very grateful indeed)
    Cheers

    Hi all,
    I just went through a similar issue and solved it with a little persistance.
    Follow these steps:
    1) All you need to do is cmd + i or "get info" on the folders you want access to
    2) in the bottom right of the window that pops up click the small padlock symbol
    3) enter your password (the login password for you mac) to "authenticate"
    4) Click the arrow by "sharing and permissions" to open that drop down
    5) click the + button in the bottom left corner
    6) in the new window that pops up click administrator or your specific user (both work fine)
    7) when it adds that user click the "privilege" and choose Read & Write
    Hey presto, when you refresh the finder window the folder will be accessilble!!!
    Yay

  • Changing name of "Home" in Finder under Places

    Some way I have changed "Home" to another name in Finder and now I want to change it back to "Home" but I do not remember how (or why) I had changed it originally.
    I would appreciate your help.
    Thanks.

    RetiredVRS wrote:
    Thanks for the information. I was not aware that my login name was correct in appearing there.
    The purpose of changing it to "Home" is to be able to distinguish it more readily as my home directory of my MBP when I have my iMac and MBP connected.
    Any other information and/or suggestion(s) are welcome.
    Thanks again.
    You know it's home because of the small home or house icon next to it.
    It's generically referred to as Home in the Finder Sidebar preferences. Maybe that's what you are recalling.
    Message was edited by: nerowolfe

Maybe you are looking for