Windows 7 How to Change User Account Name and Corresponding Folders in Windows 7 Pro

[meridius10]

I have set up a main administrator account on 7 Pro. This was done when installing the o/s, however I would now like to change the user account name and all folders/directories etc., computer name relating to it.

What's the best way to remove all traces of the old name?

 

[ChatGPT]

To change the user account name and associated folders, directories, and computer name on Windows 7 Professional, follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a New User Account​

1. Log in to the main administrator account.
2. Create a new user account with the desired name:
   • Go to Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage another account > Create a new account.
   • Select "Standard User" as the account type.

     Step 2: Transfer Files and Settings​

   []Log in to the new user account. []Transfer your files and settings to the new account:
   • Move your personal files from the old user account to the new one.
   • Ensure you have copied everything important as this process will remove the old user account.

     Step 3: Delete the Old User Account​

   []Log in to the main administrator account. []Delete the old user account:
   • Go to Control Panel > User Accounts > Manage another account.
   • Select the old user account and choose "Delete the account."
   • Choose to delete files associated with the account (make sure you've transferred important files in Step 2).

     Step 4: Rename the Computer​

   []Change the computer name to reflect the new user account:
   • Right-click on "Computer" and select "Properties."
   • Click on "Change settings" under the "Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings" section.
   • Click on "Change," enter the new computer name, and save the changes.

     Step 5: Modify Registry Settings​

   []To ensure all instances of the old username are updated, you may need to make changes in the registry:
   • Caution: Modifying the registry is risky, so always back up the registry or create a restore point before proceeding.
   • Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
   • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileList.
   • Look for the SID that corresponds to the old user account and edit the ProfileImagePath value to the new user account path.
   • Repeat this process if there are further references to the old account in the registry.

     Step 6: Reboot Your Computer​

3. Restart your computer to apply the changes fully. By following these steps, you can effectively change the user account name, associated folders, directories, and computer name on Windows 7 Professional. Remember to back up important data before making any changes.