Rename a machine

[Steve Freides]

A user, who inherited their computer from someone else, would like me to
rename the machine so that his name shows up in the usual places instead of
that of the machine's former owner. I've done this once or twice in the
past - my memory is that it's a royal pain because so many user-specific
settings get lost. I would like to keep the user name the same, just change
the machine name. Because, among other things, the user use AutoCAD, I'm
kind of nervous about attempting this.

Thanks in advance for advice, gotchas, checklists, etc.

-S-

 

[Maincat]

A user, who inherited their computer from someone else, would like me to
rename the machine so that his name shows up in the usual places instead of
that of the machine's former owner. I've done this once or twice in the
past - my memory is that it's a royal pain because so many user-specific
settings get lost. I would like to keep the user name the same, just
change the machine name. Because, among other things, the user use
AutoCAD, I'm kind of nervous about attempting this.

Thanks in advance for advice, gotchas, checklists, etc.

-S-

Control Panel - System - Computer Name tab- Click on Change against To
Rename This Computer...

Job done.

Hope that helps.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

A user, who inherited their computer from someone else, would like me to
rename the machine so that his name shows up in the usual places instead of
that of the machine's former owner. I've done this once or twice in the
past - my memory is that it's a royal pain because so many user-specific
settings get lost. I would like to keep the user name the same, just change
the machine name. Because, among other things, the user use AutoCAD, I'm
kind of nervous about attempting this.

If I acquired a used computer, the first thing I would do with it
would be to reinstall the operating system cleanly. You have no idea
how the computer has been maintained, what has been installed
incorrectly, what is missing, what viruses and spyware there may be,
etc. I wouldn't want to live with somebody else's mistakes and
problems, possibility of kiddie porn, etc., and I wouldn't recommend
that anyone else do either.

But if you just want to change the "Registered to" name, you can do so
by editing
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\RegisteredOwner
with Regedit.

 

[Steve Freides]

Control Panel - System - Computer Name tab- Click on Change against To
Rename This Computer...

Job done.

Hope that helps.

It won't cause all the desktop settings, etc., for the current user to
disappear?

-S-

 

[Steve Freides]

If I acquired a used computer, the first thing I would do with it
would be to reinstall the operating system cleanly. You have no idea
how the computer has been maintained, what has been installed
incorrectly, what is missing, what viruses and spyware there may be,
etc. I wouldn't want to live with somebody else's mistakes and
problems, possibility of kiddie porn, etc., and I wouldn't recommend
that anyone else do either.

This is not a used computer - it was given to one person, set up, but
never actually used. The new user got it several months ago and now has
it working to his liking but still under the old name.

But if you just want to change the "Registered to" name, you can do so
by editing
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\Current Version\RegisteredOwner
with Regedit.

I want the machine name that, e.g., shows when you print a test page for
your printer, shows when you're browsing the network looking for
computers, etc.

-S-

 

[Plato]

A user, who inherited their computer from someone else, would like me to
rename the machine so that his name shows up in the usual places instead of

Anytime you get a used PC, the best bet to to wipe the hard drive and
then install the OS you want to use totally fresh.

 

[Steve Freides]

Anytime you get a used PC, the best bet to to wipe the hard drive and
then install the OS you want to use totally fresh.

Mentioned and already answered in another reply a day or two ago.

-S-