Change the User My Documents folder name?

[HotRod]

A few years ago when my notebook was setup the user name was setup with my
Nickname now that I'm using it professionally whenever I show the file path
in the header or footer it shows my nickname. How can I change this name to
my "real" name instead of

c:\Documents and Settings\Hot Rod\My Documents\etc.\etc.

 

[Ron Sommer]

To change the name everywhere, create a new user.
From another post:
--
Ron Sommer

How to Copy a User Profile
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/win_xp_logon.htm

HOW TO Create and Configure User Accounts in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/?id=279783

 

[Doug Sherman [MVP]]

Create a new user account with the correct name and logon with that account.
If you only care about My Documents, you can simply copy them. Or, you can
copy the entire proflie:

http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/windows/xp/all/proddocs/en-
us/sysdm_userprofile_copy.mspx?mfr=true

Doug Sherman
MCSE, MCSA, MCP+I, MVP

 

[HotRod]

I was afraid I would need to copy the whole profile. The notebook is setup
perfect under my normal "nickname" and I'd like to keep every document and
desktop icon etc. just they way they are. Will the link provided preserve
everything and copy all of the my documents stuff?

 

[Malke]

I was afraid I would need to copy the whole profile. The notebook is
setup perfect under my normal "nickname" and I'd like to keep every
document and desktop icon etc. just they way they are. Will the link
provided preserve everything and copy all of the my documents stuff?

Yes, if you follow the directions. You need to log into the new user
account once before you can copy anything to it. You must import your
e-mail messages and addresses to the new user profile before you delete
the old profile.

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

Lockergnome article about copying user account -
http://tinyurl.com/74atm

Malke

 

[Guest]

I went through this after buying someone elses computer that was already set
up.
You have two options

1.You could risk going through Regedit and replacing ALL your old user name
keys with the new one. I tried it and failed but was still assured it does
work, you got nothing to loose if you back reg and "user" up and have about 2
grueling hours to spare or....
2.what I reccommend, just copy your folders to a new user account. Its sucks
tweaking all over again but regedit is a heavy risk.

a.create your new user account.
b.drag files and folder to new location.
c.By dragging the files/folders you shouldn't disturb the icons unless the
icons were in the old user account. *
d.delete your old account when done.

*When you set up your new OS/or user account think ahead and save programs,
icons and system used images outside of user folders. My own 'My Documents"
is full of shortcuts to folders on an external drive so instead of

C:\doc..sett..\hot rod\my docs..\icons
it is
C:\doc..sett..\hot rod\my docs..\shortcut to F:\Icons
C:\doc..sett..\hot rod\my docs..\shortcut to F:\My Pictures
C:\doc..sett..\hot rod\my docs..\shortcut to F:\etc......

Its a good basic safeguard measure in case of a disk error. Just a
suggestion.
Good luck

 

[Bruce Chambers]

A few years ago when my notebook was setup the user name was setup with my
Nickname now that I'm using it professionally whenever I show the file path
in the header or footer it shows my nickname. How can I change this name to
my "real" name instead of

c:\Documents and Settings\Hot Rod\My Documents\etc.\etc.

The user profile folders (C:\Documents and Settings\Username)
_cannot_ be renamed, even if the associated user account has been.
So, your best course of action would be to log on using the built-in
Administrator account, create a new user account, with the username
desired. You can then delete the old user account(s).

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

How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;811151


--

Bruce Chambers

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[HotRod]

Brandon
I actually tried to change the registry by opening it in Notepad and
then doing a replace "hotrod" with "MyName", it didn't seem to make a
difference. I have created a new user and will copy over everything. THANKS