MacBook Reset Itself to Default Settings

My computer was being kind of slow, so I restarted it. Only now, when it opens back it, it is almost like it has reverted to default settings. The desktop background is the generic blue one; the dock has the standard items on it and not the ones I had on there; Mozilla doesn't have any of my settings on it; all system preferences have changed, like how to right click and select things... Everything is still on here, so I am not worried that I lost files. The only thing I have done lately was attempt to change the user name from the past owner (an associate) to myself. This would have been the first time I restarted since then. I tried shutting down and restarting a couple times, but it hasn't changed back. Is there any way to undo this? I don't want to lose all of my Mozilla/computer settings.

I suggest you create a new user account (in your Account control panel) with the desired name, then copy the old user's Home directory (the one your tried or did change) contents into that of the new user. Good luck!
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