computer name change

[bry25_uk]

I have bought a second hand laptop, but the computers "identity" is in the
previous owners name. The only name I can change is the user. How can i
change the ACTUAL identity of the computer. For example, in task manager, it
displays a name and on my main computer(w/less networked) it show the
connection owner of the laptop as this name too. these are what i'd like to
change.
ps i'm using XP home ed all updated.
thanks
Bryan

 

[Leonard Grey]

There is a larger issue: When you buy a second hand computer, the very
first thing you do is erase the hard disk and reinstall the software.
You should have received installation media for all the software on the
computer at the time you bought it - that's part of what you paid for.
(The computer may have a so-called recovery partition which erases the
hard disk and reinstalls the factory software.)

Erasing and reinstalling is the only way to be sure that the computer is
free of infection and configured properly.

 

[bry25_uk]

thanks for the answer. The computer was more or less back to factory
standard, but i've checked and there is no hidden system partition AND i
didn't get a disk with it. I could reinstall windows but then i'd lose all
the drivers. I've had it for a few weeks now, so have "personalised" it to
some extent and don't fancy a full reinstall.
As for virus' etc, it is clean. from all types or spy/adware and other
malicious things.
Please don't think i'm ungrateful for your time, I do appreciate it and am
not deliberatly being awkward.
thanks again
Bryan

 

[Gordon]

thanks for the answer. The computer was more or less back to factory
standard, but i've checked and there is no hidden system partition AND i
didn't get a disk with it.

then you either need to ask the vendor where the disk is, (he may be running
it on another computer, and if it's an OEM then HE is pirating, as OEMs
cannot be transferred to another machine), because if he cannot give it to
you you will need to buy one....

 

[Leonard Grey]

You need to delete the old user account and create a new one.

 

[GreenieLeBrun]

I have bought a second hand laptop, but the computers "identity" is
in the previous owners name. The only name I can change is the user.
How can i change the ACTUAL identity of the computer. For example, in
task manager, it displays a name and on my main computer(w/less
networked) it show the connection owner of the laptop as this name
too. these are what i'd like to change.
ps i'm using XP home ed all updated.
thanks
Bryan

Right click on "My Computer" select "Properties" then the "Computer Name"
tab, then the "Change" tab