Member Avatar for Kamex

I have one account on my new computer, which is currently labeled "Best Buy". I want to rename this to "Kamex", including the folder in Documents and Settings. I thought I'd ask how to do this to be sure because I can't afford to reformat it. Can anyone provide instructions on how to do this? Strangely enough, a Google search and an MSN search yielded nothing.

The main reason why I am concerned is that because there is only one account, I would be changing the same account I am logged into, including the folder path, which I'm worried might bug up halfway and destroy everything.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by chrisbliss18

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Briefer answer first: the safest route — as suggested — is to create a second administrative account and move the files into a new profile. Renaming the profile folder that an account already uses is possible, but it must be done from a different administrative session and with care (rename the folder, then update the registry ProfileImagePath). Doing the work while logged into the same account is what risks a broken profile. (learn.microsoft.com)

Practical, XP‑Home–specific checklist (apply in order):

  1. Make a full backup (disk image or at least System Restore + export the registry key about to be changed). Back up the registry before editing. (support.microsoft.com)
  2. Create a temporary Administrator using Control Panel → User Accounts (XP Home does not include the Local Users & Groups MMC snap‑in). Log on using that separate admin account. (flylib.com)
  3. From the temporary admin session, rename the folder
    C:\Documents and Settings\Best Buy → C:\Documents and Settings\Kamex. If files are locked, reboot to Safe Mode or use Recovery Console to rename.
  4. Start regedit and open
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList\<SID>
    identify the right SID by checking the ProfileImagePath value, then change that value to the new path. Reboot and test the original account. (winhelponline.com)
  5. If the profile logs in but shows missing items, fix NTFS ownership and permissions on the renamed profile (turn off Simple File Sharing in Explorer to expose the Security tab, make the user the owner and give Full Control). After everything is verified, remove the temporary admin if desired.

If the profile fails to load (temporary profile, “user profile cannot be loaded”, missing Desktop), revert the registry/folder rename or restore from the backups made in step 1; Microsoft’s troubleshooting on corrupted profiles explains how to check the ProfileList and .bak entries for recovery. Proceed only with backups and be prepared to undo the registry change if needed. (learn.microsoft.com)

Notes: XP Home lacks some admin MMC tools that appear in Pro (hence the Control Panel route); System images and exported registry keys are the safest safeguards before attempting any rename.

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Member Avatar for chrisbliss18

I haven't done this myself, so I'm not sure if Windows will throw a tantrum or not. If you want to go the safe route, create a new user for yourself, add the new user to the Administrators group, and start using that user. Once you log in with your new user, access the old user's files through the "C:\Documents and Settings" folder. You'll probably want to copy these files over into your new user's areas. You could disable the old user account so that it doesn't show up on the login screen, and then delete the old account when you feel that you don't need it anymore.

Member Avatar for Kamex

Hmm, but wouldn't this disable auto-login for the main account? Is there a way afterward to delete the temporary account and turn it back on? If so, this would work great.

Member Avatar for chrisbliss18

If you want to use Autologon for your new account, read Microsoft's guide on the topic.

I would recommend disabling the old account until you are absolutely sure you don't want it anymore. You can disable an account by loading the , expanding "System Tools\Local Users and Groups\Users", right-clicking the user you wish to disable, selecting "Properties", and checking the "Account is disabled" checkbox.

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