Re: Would like to rename folders in Documents and Settings

Doug Sundquist wrote:
Runing Windows XP Home Edition on a new computer. I renamed the logon for the original account as mine and then later noticed it has a rather cryptic account name in Documents and Settings (Owner-C145XX . . .) that I'd prefer to change to match my logon. I also notice an aditional Owner directory and Administrator directory. To that end I have two questions:
1. Can I rename that cryptic directory somehow to match my name? As I add other users I'd like it to be obvious who's stuff is what.
2. Can I simply delete those other 2 directories from Documents and Settings?
Thanks,
Doug Sundquist

You cannot simply rename user accounts. Instead, create a new one for yourself and copy the data and settings over. You will need to log into the new account once before you can copy anything to it. After the links about copying and creating user accounts, I've given you a general explanation of user accounts in XP so you will understand what you are seeing in Documents and Settings.

Copy a User Account - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=811151

HOW TO Create and Configure User Accounts in Windows XP - http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;279783

Explanation of user account structure in XP:

XP is a multi-user operating system, no matter if only one person is using it. In all multi-user operating systems - NT, Win2k, XP, Unix, Linux, Mac OSX - there is the one built-in account that is "god" on the system. In Windows terminology, that is "Administrator". In the *nix world, it is "root". This is a necessary account and is not normally
used in everyday work. You cannot delete the built-in Administrator account nor would you ever want to.

Here is the explanation of what you really have:

My Computer - represents your entire computer, showing drives and shared folders. Shared Folders are folders where you can put files you wish to share with other users on the system. You don't need to use these folders if you don't want to, but leave them alone!

[some name] C:\ - your first hard drive, usually the system drive.

Document and Settings - The "container" for all user settings. Each user will have [username] Documents, Music, Videos, My Pictures.

Administrator - Built-in account - Leave alone! Do not use! Do not worry about it!

All Users - Section where items common to all users go. In a multi-user operating system, users have separate accounts. This is the place where if you want to share files with all the other users on the system you would put those files. You don't ever have to use those folders but they need to be there. This is where programs you install that are meant to be installed for all users put settings. All the "Shared Documents" type of folders you see at the root of C:\ are shortcuts to the shared folders in here. Leave them alone!

Default Users - This is the template from which new user accounts are made. You will never put anything in any of those folders but they are needed to create new users. In Linux we use "skel" ("skeleton" - get it?). In Windows, the less-colorful term "Default User" is used. Leave it alone!

[OEM] Administrator or Owner - This is the generic user created by the OEM when installing the operating system. After all, the OEM doesn't know who is going to buy the computer. If you aren't using this OEM user account, you can delete it from the User Accounts applet in Control Panel. It is not the same account as "Administrator".


Malke
--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User
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