XP Home: Renaming user profile

MartyM

Hi All

I'm using Windows XP Home Edition and want to change the name on my main profile.

I can do this cosmetically but it does not change the original directory structure, i.e. the following remains the same:

C:\Documents and Settings\original username

Based on these instructions:

http://windowsxp.mvps.org/dupprofile.htm


I have done the following:


Logon to the original account (which has admin rights)

Create a new user account with admin rights

Logon to that account to initialize the newly created profile

Log off from the newly created profile

Login as built-in Administrator (restart in safe mode)

Open Control Panel System applet

Click the Advanced tab

Click Settings under User Profiles

Select a profile to copy from (original username) and choose Copy To

Browse to the profile to copy to (C:\Documents and Settings\new username)



At this point I get access denied?
Tried messing around with folder security settings and ownership but no joy!....probably doing it wrong...

Then I tried to add the built-in Administrator to the Permitted to use option and choose Copy To again.
Then it states that a file (or folder?) already exists, try deleting it and trying again?

It does not state which file/folder but I assume it means: C:\Documents and Settings\new username

Anyone got any ideas if this can be done?


Also, if I do manage to duplicate the account. Is it safe to delete the "original user" profile and still be able to use all the apllications installed by that account?


Thanks!

Martin

Sherifu

I tried to do this once and didn't manage to accomplish it. I think I got a similar error. Yes it should be safe to delete the original if you get it copied.

kaizersoze

For it to work properly you need to use the Files and Settings Transfer Wizard located in All Programs-->Accessories-->System Tools.
It's mostly used to transfer files and settings to a new computer but can also be used to tranfer to a new profile on the same pc.

Run the wizard in the old profile and choose a folder on your hard drive (instead of a removable drive) to save the backed up files.
When thats done log into the new profile and run the wizard again to import the files.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/expert/crawford_november12.mspx

Gadgetman496

Will this do it for you?

http://www.speedyshare.com/169981350.html


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MartyM

gadgetman496 wrote: »

Will this do it for you?

http://www.speedyshare.com/169981350.html


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Dont know!! There is no description about what this file actually does!

Dont think i'd run a .exe file without having seen some user comments, etc...

Is this a file you have created?

Gadgetman496

MartyM wrote: »

Dont know!! There is no description about what this file actually does!

Dont think i'd run a .exe file without having seen some user comments, etc...

Is this a file you have created?

You are correct to be cautious but I can assure you that the file is safe and from a reputable source.
http://www.dougknox.com/

I have used it many times in the past to change the owner name of a PC but just can't remember if it changed the directory structure too.

It will do no harm to try as you can use it to rename the PC again should you wish.


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MartyM

gadgetman496 wrote: »

You are correct to be cautious but I can assure you that the file is safe and from a reputable source.
http://www.dougknox.com/

I have used it many times in the past to change the owner name of a PC but just can't remember if it changed the directory structure too.

It will do no harm to try as you can use it to rename the PC again should you wish.


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Just an FYI...

This does not change the directory structure, just the registered owner!

Useful little app all the same...