User name in Win XP [Archive] - The PC Guide Discussion Forums

granny

09-24-2002, 03:09 PM

I feel so frustrated!

We bought a new computer for our student daughter, but since she can't have it right now, I was told I had to activate XP for her before the 30 day mark. I turned on the computer and realised I had to configure the damned thing first. It asked me a name for the computer and suggested someone's name, so I typed in my daughter's name. A couple of clicks later, it asked me for a user name, so again, I typed in my daughter's name, but this time, it refused it. (I realise now that it was because I had already used that name, but the instructions never told me that if I used that name for the computer, I couldn't use it as a user name. :mad: ) I phoned the guy at Dell and he was not quite sure what the problem was, so he suggested I try typing another name. I typed in mine in what I thought would be a test, and lo and behold, this time it worked. Except that there was no way to go back and change the name again. There was no "back" button. The guy told me to finish and then to change the name from the menu.

Problem is, even after I changed the user's name, there were files in the settings that were still under the wrong name. Moreover, the computer is registered to my (first) name. If I try to delete those file settings, it refuses to do so, saying that those are windows files.

Maybe I did something wrong, but I was so fed up, I reinstalled Windows (as an upgrade, hoping I wasn't messing anything up). Well it asked me for a name again. This time, I put in her full name and it accepted it. But now, there are two users, her and her! and the computer is still registered to my first name, and there are still files under "Louise".

Is there any known way to change this? Dell refuses to help anymore.

Louise

hawk7771us

09-24-2002, 05:20 PM

go to start/control panel/user accounts,you can you can change the accounts from there. set up 2 accounts one for addim and one for user.you can also change the name there.and delete the account you do not want.

granny

09-24-2002, 05:52 PM

Thanks Hawk, but I have already tried that, and as I said, it refuses to delete or change the user name on the user files and documents. And again, the computer is under the name of Louise, when it should be under my daughter's name. (I wish to God they told you when you choose a name for your computer that it shouldn't be the same name as the user's name you intend to use for yourself.)

Anyway, it may not be a very big problem, but I really wanted this computer to be under my daughter's name. After all, it's hers, and I would resent someone's name on my computer if it were mine.

I can tell you I'll never, ever, ever buy XP for my own computer. I hate the damned thing with a passion! :mad:

Louise

hawk7771us

09-24-2002, 06:22 PM

when you go here there a program called x-teg its on the far left hand side of the page they have it listed as x-set up. go there and down load the x-teg x-setup final 6.2 [gold] after you down load it and installed go to x-setup default ui for power users / go to system it at the bottom of the list then /go to user data/ window user data nt/2k/xp click it and on the top right you can change the user name and the company name from there. http://user.aol.com/axcel216/

jabarnutcase

09-24-2002, 06:23 PM

Hi granny-
I may be missing something here, but you can change the "name" of the computer by going to system properties, (right click on "My Computer" and select properties).
There, you can click on the "Computer name" tab and call it "daughters Computer" or what ever you want.

Edit) Woops...Maybe I am missing something here! (Hawk snuck that in a minuter before me...Good luck!

YODA74

09-24-2002, 06:34 PM

We bought a new computer for our student daughter,

Dell refuses to help anymore

Hey granny I must have missed something you bought a new computer from Dell and now there refusing to help you??? is this thing thirty days old
I would put it back in the box and ship GD thing back to the SOB

the only way i know to clear every thing is format and start all over
sorry,

I was told I had to activate XP for her before the 30 day mark.
Did dell tell you this?? If your daughter couldn't have it right now then what was the hurry to activate? just becouse you bought XP and it was in the box... it does have a shelf life:D as long as you don't install it
I would hate to think I bought xp and had to run home and activate it before the box melted or something

And legally Dell has to help you with software problems for a YEAR after purchase or it is a breach of contract

hawk7771us

09-24-2002, 06:35 PM

jabarnutcase i'm just a newbie may be your way is better

jabarnutcase

09-24-2002, 06:39 PM

I guess I'm just not clear as to what granny wants...It may be complicated, or she may be talking about something as simple as the "computer name" that is on the bottom of the log in screen.

Mine is called "Jabs time waster" right now, but I change it now and then! :D

YODA74

09-24-2002, 07:03 PM

lets clarify what granny wants

Problem is, even after I changed the user's name, there were files in the settings that were still under the wrong name.

Which means the regestry isn't willing to change??

Moreover, the computer is registered to my (first) name. If I try to delete those file settings, it refuses to do so, saying that those are windows files.

I say reformat start fresh

What the hey it's a new comp. ain't got nutthen to loose.

jabarnutcase

09-24-2002, 07:11 PM

Bummer....
You brought up a good point before too. Maybe she misunderstood DELL. Granny- there are copies that will sit in your local computer store for a long time....No hurry.

That sure would be awful if you bought some software and decided to install it a couple of months later and a message came up saying...."We're sorry, you waited too long!" :rolleyes:

granny

09-24-2002, 09:32 PM

Darn! I just spent half an hour writing a reply, and the site refused to post it. It’s definitely not my day, today! Try again...

First of all, Hawk, thank you very much for posting this website. I think it’s great! I am putting a bookmark on it. But I am not sure if I want to use that stuff on someone else’s computer. I am afraid to mess it up more than I already did. I’ll have to think about it. But I would be happy to use it on my own computer! :)

Jabbar, I did change the name of the computer, but that didn’t solve the other problems. In the "documents and settings", I still have a folder named "Louise" and I can’t get rid of it, nor can I change its name. (There are also folders named "owner" and "all users" and the last one under my daughter’s name.) Those folders contain things like cookies, favorites, start menu, desktop and my documents. Talk about duplication! Blah! Anyway, if I try to delete the Louise folder, I get the message "Louise is a Windows system folder and is required for Windows to run properly. It cannot be deleted" (or "renamed or moved", as the case may be). That’s bad enough, but the worse is that if I look under "view system information", I see that the software is still "registered to Louise". And I would dearly love to change that. It's not my computer!

Yoda, the software came already all installed on the computer. They install it in the factory, so even though the computer has been sitting in its box all this time, I have to activate it within 30 of my invoice, which is the day it was built. All I had to do was start the computer and do the last bits of configurations. At least, that’s what I thought. So I started the thing and it asked me to give a name to the computer, so I gave it my daughter’s name (it was one of their suggestions to give it the name of the person using it. And I thought that it could eventually be changed, like one can do with Win 98. Wrong!) Then, two pages later, it asked me to give it a user’s name, so of course, I had to give it my daughter’s name to use. But it refused to do that. I couldn’t understand why (now, I realise it is probably because it was the same name), so I phoned the guy at Dell and he had no clue either, so he told me to try another name. I typed in my name as a test, thinking that I could go back and change it if it worked. Well it did work, but I couldn’t go back. There was no back button. The guy told me to finish and access the menu to change the name. That worked allright, but as I said before, it didn’t change the name on the folders or the owner’s name. I am not very keen on activating the thing under someone else’s name. How totally moronic of Microsoft to not give you the freedom to correct your mistakes! Or is this another of their schemes to prevent piracy? Ha!

Anyway, I did phone Dell again, thinking that they are the ones who gave me the wrong advice. But this time, another guy told me that he only helps with hardware problems, not "user problems". But I later saw in the Microsoft brochure that came with XP that I should contact the manufacturer if I had any problem with their software. So I might try again tomorrow. As you say, it seems that they have an obligation to help.

Anyway, thank you guys! And thanks again for that website, Hawk. I am sure it will become one of my favourites.

Louise

hawk7771us

09-24-2002, 09:42 PM

granny it's not my web site it's Charles aka ixl

sleddog

09-24-2002, 10:32 PM

Just a few suggestions:

1. "Activation" is not registration. It doesn't matter what the computer name or username is. Go ahead and do the activation process if you are concerned about the 30 day period.

2. Give the computer to your daughter. Explain to her what happened. Let her figure out how to change the computer name, create her own user profile and remove unneeded user profiles. It will be good experience for her.

3. Don't worry about it. It's a very tiny problem that will be resolved with a little experience with the machine :)

mjc

09-24-2002, 10:54 PM

Since when have computers come with "freshness dates"...it sounds like if the stupid machine sits on a store shelf for 32 days you have jusst paid a sizable chunk of change for a doorstop?

I don't think so, you probably have the full thirty days to activate from when it is first turned on when you get it home...because the install is not complete until the OOBE (out of box experiance) is finished...that means all the gory details that M$ wants to know.

If you must activate it within 30 days from when it is built then I can imagine there will be a lot of stores with dead machines being sold.

Paul Komski

09-25-2002, 12:28 AM

Product Activation FAQ (http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/mpafaq.asp)

I wouldn't get too freaked-out by the 30day "retail evaluation period". If the limit is exceded, then you will just not be able to use the pc until you phone in the product activation to Microsoft.

Granny; what did you mean by "I installed as an upgrade". Was this an install "over" and how did you do it. If you have the XP CD then I agree that the easiest thing is to just do a clean install after formatting - or make Dell do it for you.

granny

09-25-2002, 08:54 AM

Originally posted by mjc
Since when have computers come with "freshness dates"...it sounds like if the stupid machine sits on a store shelf for 32 days you have jusst paid a sizable chunk of change for a doorstop?

I don't think so, you probably have the full thirty days to activate from when it is first turned on when you get it home...because the install is not complete until the OOBE (out of box experiance) is finished...that means all the gory details that M$ wants to know.

If you must activate it within 30 days from when it is built then I can imagine there will be a lot of stores with dead machines being sold.

Well, it's not exactly like buying a computer in the store. Dell custom builds the machine for you and installs all the software in their factory before shipping it to you. This is why you have the 30 days "freshness date". But it's really Microsoft that is the problem, since it is their software that has that 30 days activation period "or else". :mad:

Louise

granny

09-25-2002, 09:04 AM

Originally posted by sleddog
Just a few suggestions:

1. "Activation" is not registration. It doesn't matter what the computer name or username is. Go ahead and do the activation process if you are concerned about the 30 day period.

2. Give the computer to your daughter. Explain to her what happened. Let her figure out how to change the computer name, create her own user profile and remove unneeded user profiles. It will be good experience for her.

3. Don't worry about it. It's a very tiny problem that will be resolved with a little experience with the machine :)

Yes, I guess that's what I will do. She is not very computer savvy, though, and she doesn't have much time to spend on learning those fine points. But I am sure she won't mind. I think I was just being a perfectionist, wanting her first computer to be her own, in her own name, with her own files, but Microsoft messed it up for me.

She can certainly create her own user profiles, except that there is no way to get rid of other users profiles that have already been put in.

Yes, I know now that it is just a tiny problem and I was being overly emotional about it. That'll teach me to be emotional with computers!

Still, from now on, I'll stay away from XP like the plague. My experience with it has been very bad so far.

Thanks for the support and helping me put things in perspective.

Louise

YODA74

09-25-2002, 09:22 AM

I completely understand what you are saying but i do not know where and from whom this kind of jibberish is comeing from.

Yes it is in YOUR best interest to activate the computer within the 30 day period for one simple reason called 30 day return policy!!
which is within 30days of receiving the computer YOU may return the product for a full refund if not pleased with said product!!

But as far as having to activate the machine as soon as you receive it NO that thing can sit in your closet until H$## freezes over if you like.

But as I mentioned your best option at this point is to format and start fresh.

If you don't feel comfortable doing so then the manufacturer of the PC IS Responsable for all software problems concerning that PC for one year from date of purchase as long as this was bundled software from said MFG!

granny

09-25-2002, 09:26 AM

Originally posted by Paul Komski
Product Activation FAQ (http://www.microsoft.com/piracy/basics/activation/mpafaq.asp)

I wouldn't get too freaked-out by the 30day "retail evaluation period". If the limit is exceded, then you will just not be able to use the pc until you phone in the product activation to Microsoft.

Granny; what did you mean by "I installed as an upgrade". Was this an install "over" and how did you do it. If you have the XP CD then I agree that the easiest thing is to just do a clean install after formatting - or make Dell do it for you.

Ok, I thought that it HAD to be done within 30 days. Thanks.

When I saw that it wouldn't let me change the owner's name and messed up the users, I thought that maybe I should re-install the thing and just do it right this time. But when I came to choose between a fresh install or an "upgrade" (recommended), I thought maybe a fresh install would mess up some other software that Dell had installed on the computer, so I clicked on "upgrade". The thing whirred and copied files, and did all kinds of things for half an hour, then told me that there was already an OS on that partition (the only one available), and that this could create some conflicts. At this point, I chickened out and told it to abort the installation. But it walked me again through the user name thing and that is why I ended up with two user names for the same person. Now, I wonder whether this counts as one install, because I know that there are only a certain number of installs you can do before the OS doesn't work anymore and you have to ask Big Brother permission to install it again and pay a fee for it.

I COULD reformat the disk and start again, but since it is not my computer and I am not sure what Dell put on it, I think it is better for me to leave well enough alone at this point. But when my daughter gets too fed up with it, I will reformat, partition properly and install Win 98 on it. And good riddance!

By the way, while I was into the install process, I noticed that there were two partitions on that disk. One is, if I remember well, about 31 MB, the other, over 38 Gigs. I fear to think how much time it will take to defragment the blasted thing...

Thanks Paul!

Louise

granny

09-25-2002, 10:05 AM

Originally posted by YODA74
Yes it is in YOUR best interest to activate the computer within the 30 day period for one simple reason called 30 day return policy!!
which is within 30days of receiving the computer YOU may return the product for a full refund if not pleased with said product!!

If you don't feel comfortable doing so then the manufacturer of the PC IS Responsable for all software problems concerning that PC for one year from date of purchase as long as this was bundled software from said MFG!

No, it is not the machine I have to activate but the software. Microsoft Windows XP to be exact. I could return the machine to Dell for full refund if I didn't find it satisfactory.

The Dell representative told me this morning that they will help with software problems for 90 days after purchase. Not one year. I'm not impressed...

Louise

YODA74

09-25-2002, 10:51 AM

Personally I'd send it back at least if you bought a Gateway they give support auto for a year. not saying i like gateway any more than dell i just wouldn't own a dell

If you have to advertise a product on tv as much as they do then there is something inherintly wrong but anyway have fun

Sylvander

09-25-2002, 12:07 PM

Hello granny

stick with your instincts and intelligence.

I think there is more to this than is at first obvious.

1. I think the 30 day thing is related to Microsofts new method of eliminating software piracy. They have a new system where the software must be registered with Microsoft [by going online] within 30 days of purchase OR IT REFUSES TO WORK [I'm not sure but perhaps they do something to the registry (or an ini file) which windows reads. I found this happening with "UK-INFO Disk"]! You can phone them up and explain any difficulties and they will [so they say] be helpful.
Also, the machine on which it is installed is linked to the software registered to THAT USER by a code which the software generates from the type of hardware on which the software is installed. Once that software is registered it cannot be registered a second time and will cease working after 30 days. Hence an end to the use of more than one copy of the legally purchased software!

2. The computer name is intended to to be a name for the PC hardware.
The idea is that this PC might be only one of many on a network and when you look at a set of Networked PC's you'd be able to identify each one of them by their name.

3. The user name is intended to be the person[s] to whom the PC software is registered. The registered owner. This is not the same as user profiles.

4. User profiles are intended to give different users their own unique [user] configuration settings. Although they start out with a copy of the default configuration settings they can alter/customise them to obtain a user interface whose appearance and [to some extent] operation is unique to them. Especially theirs; different from others. You could invent multiple names [with the associated password] for yourself/others and each identity/user would be given a different GUI apparance after logging on.

5. If Microsoft were to be helpful and understanding they would agree to you re-formatting the HDD and re-installing the software and re-registering it's use.

Paul Komski

09-25-2002, 04:19 PM

Can't see that you have anything to lose by trying a "Fresh Reinstall" rather than the "Upgrade" that you tried earlier.

I also came across Reinstall without Re-activating (http://windows.about.com/library/tips/bltip608.htm) which apparently works fine for avoiding a reactivation routine if it is done on the same pc.

granny

09-26-2002, 08:37 AM

Originally posted by Sylvander
Hello granny

stick with your instincts and intelligence.

I think there is more to this than is at first obvious.

3. The user name is intended to be the person[s] to whom the PC software is registered. The registered owner. This is not the same as user profiles.

This is the whole problem. The thing asked me to choose a name for the computer and suggested someone's name, so naturally, I chose my daughter's name, since the computer is hers. Then it asked me a for user's name, but this time refused to take my daughter's name. Yet, it wouldn't let me go back to change the computer's name, so I had to use another name for my daughter's user name. It then used THAT name as the "registered to" name. It also created folders and user profiles under that same name and refused to let me change or delete them. I am trying to find a way to change those two items.

Louise

granny

09-26-2002, 08:44 AM

Originally posted by Paul Komski
Can't see that you have anything to lose by trying a "Fresh Reinstall" rather than the "Upgrade" that you tried earlier.

I also came across Reinstall without Re-activating (http://windows.about.com/library/tips/bltip608.htm) which apparently works fine for avoiding a reactivation routine if it is done on the same pc.

Thanks Paul. This is great!

I can't face a whole re-install just now. No time at the moment, so I'll have to activate as is. But I just might go through the process later on. And maybe re-partition the drive at the same time (never done that, but it shouldn't be too difficult...) ;)

Louise

OB1

09-26-2002, 08:59 AM

Hi all,

I work for a computer company that sells Compaq, IBM, Toshiba,.... well almost everything except Dell, and provides support for all of them.

On all of those systems it is possible to have an OS preinstalled. This actually isn't a real installation, but a semi-installation (image) that will install the OS at first boot.
I dont think Dell is an exception to this.
For many not too experienced users the difference is not very clear.
So the 30 days activation period will start on first boot of the system, not when you buy it or whatever. It is of course better to unpack and start the PC as soon as possible, just to make sure it works, and be able to return it as DOA if it doesnt.

Concerning th XP user issue.
Since the first user to be created in XP 'Louise' in this case, is automatically the administrator of the system, that user cannot be deleted. It's a safeguard against removing the administrator account and not being able to log in as admin anymore. The 'real' administrator account cannot be accessed through the XP easy login screen (with the buttons).

XP has the option to rename a user, but this is only a kind of Alias it creates, since all other entries such as user rights, will remain under the original name. Also the user profile will keep its original name.

So if you want to remove the original user, you should first disable that logon screen (from 'create users' panel) cant remember what it's called exactly, dont have an XP system at hand right now but it's one of the options you get if you click 'manage the way users log in'. Then log off and log on as 'administrator', should have no password since none was ever entered. Create a new account with administrator rights, or make sure the account you want to keep has admin rights. Disable admin rights on the account you want to remove and then remove it.
Changing the computername can be done like in other windows versions, rightclick network neighbourhood or open it in control panel, go to the computer identity tab and change the name.

Hope you can make something out of this story.

Sylvander

09-26-2002, 10:06 AM

Hello OB1

I'm a bit worried by what you say about "the Administrator Account".

I don't know much, if anything, about XP but assuming it works basically as before:

1. It is not necessary to even activate "User Profiles".
All users could use the same "Default User Settings", would not need to give a user name and password and all would see the same GUI.

2. User Profiles could be activated but "Administrative Privileges" need not be activated. This would make all users equally able to select from among all the facilities which Windows has on offer.

3. An individual could appoint him/her-self Administrator, with all the special private laws [privi-leges] which become available and could then limit the freedom of action of all the other users [modelled on our society I presume]. They would then find certain [vital and useful?] Windows features unavailable to them. I doubt if granny's daughter has any need or desire to do this and I find it astonishing that Microsoft would make XP set this up automatically! [QUOTE "the first user to be created.....is automatically the administrator of the system"]

4. Granny has no problem with "User Profiles" since she has not activated them. I only mentioned them to put her problem in context. Her problem is with the PC name and the name[s] of the registered owner[s].

iisbob

09-26-2002, 10:13 AM

And legally Dell has to help you with software problems for a YEAR after purchase or it is a breach of contract

First off that is pure bullsh*t; you recieve life time phone support for your Dell system even after you hardware contract is expired.NOT software support ( except for the OS ); software support comes from the vendors of the supplied products ( as it rightly should ).

next, the computer name can simply be changed under " computer identification "; and any user(s) can be removed by simply logging into another administrator account and removing the other user.

When you choose to delete the other account XP will ask you if you wish to save the previous users Document folder- you can agree or disagree as you choose.

Next, the contract between Dell & microsoft stipulates that in order for you to not have to activate nor use a Product key you must boot from the CD to run your install; if you simply stick the CD in as a dirty reinstall you are going to have to go thru the PID and activation process just as if you bought a retail system.

As for Dell support and the software installed; for the first 30days they will give you all the suport you could ask for-after that it is up to the manufacturer of the software ( ie; Roxio ) to provide support-though Dell does go out of its way (and so do gateway/Compaq ) to support what they legally aren't required to.

Read your contract please, you'll save yourself endless aggravation.

Once again to dispell any foolishness; there is NO required activation from the factory on your Dell-if you do a dirty reinstall from inside XP then you are the one causing it to ask for activation.

You don't have to go thru any special steps to remove a user; simply log in as another user and delete the other one-only if it is pasword protected do you have to take any extra steps.

If you want to change your PC name; as stated before just goto " computer name", here's a nice little tutorial; change pc name (http://www.knox.edu/computer/docs/2kpctcpip.html).

there is no "30 day " have to registration process either-you don't have to; nor hav you ever had to; register with microsoft to recieve any updates, etc..simply ignore it.Tell it no and you'll never have to worry about it again.

Obviously it dpends upon the tech support person you get as to have effective your help will be; Dell/Compaq/Gateway are no exception to this; but i really get disgusted when i see such ignorant rantings about a business when the person(s) have no idea what they are talking about! If you've never owned nor worked with/for these companies don't post an opinion about something you have no idea you are talking about! We have long years of coexistance with both Dell and Compaq; we deal with them on a regular basis- and i can tell you that %99 of the crap i've just read here is mostly hogwash.

Granny we have here some of the best minds in the industry; and some of the best people in the world ( Kayofcircles is a good example of this ); and anyone here would be more than happy to help you-and i apologize for the occasional ignorance displayed by others who post here. None of these comments are directed towards you personally, ( except the read your contract part ;) )-but i'm really getting tired of hearing people gripe and complain about so & so's service/support etc...when the people who " know " have no clue whatsoever they are talking about!

Whew. longest post i think i've ever done! :p

granny

09-26-2002, 12:57 PM

Originally posted by OB1
Hi all,

I work for a computer company that sells Compaq, IBM, Toshiba,.... well almost everything except Dell, and provides support for all of them.

(snip a whole lot of good stuff)

Hope you can make something out of this story.

OB1, thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope it works. I don't have the time to try it right now, but I will as soon as possible.

One question: Will this change the name under "view system information", where it says "Registered to Louise"?

When the Dell guy told me to try to type something else, I fear to think that I could have tried to type anything coming to my mind (if I were this kind of person, I might even have typed something rude or obscene ;) ), and this would have remained as my daughter's "registered to" forever? I do hope it can be altered.

Thank you very much for your help. And yes, if it is not too difficult to find the options you are talking about, I should be able to make something of this story. :)

Louise

Paul Komski

09-26-2002, 03:07 PM

I don't have WinXP to compare it with, but in WinME there is a Registry Key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion where there are two key names of relevance to what appears when I R-Click on MyComputer.

RegisteredOwner and RegisteredOrganisation

I have just changed them to Father Xmas and The North Pole respectively. If you like I could put in your daughter's details, just so you know that there is a computer somewhere "registered" in her name. :D ;)

Back-up the Registry beforehand if you are unsure about changing the Registry or confirm details of what to do here. Someone with XP should be able to confirm that there is an equivalent key in WinXP and whether it works for them.

YODA74

09-26-2002, 03:36 PM

Well you've been wanting me off here BOB so this ought to do it i have a cotract from dell sitting here and this is the way it reads.

Basic Hardware phone support as long as client owns pc.
Basic software (Bundled Software packet) phone support for One Year.
Three year limited parts warrenty.
Three year limited 3rd party labor warrenty. I am just going by what i read so this.... quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And legally Dell has to help you with software problems for a YEAR after purchase or it is a breach of contract
-----------------------------------------------
First off that is pure bullsh*t;
And this were totaly uncalled for

[quote]but i really get disgusted when i see such ignorant rantings about a business when the person(s) have no idea what they are talking about! If you've never owned nor worked with/for these companies don't post an opinion about something you have no idea you are talking about![quote]

So Screw you and this place

ixl

09-26-2002, 05:04 PM

Could those who are becoming uncalm kindly calm down a bit? And please remember to focus on the issues here and not direct your comments towards the personalities of the posters.

If there is a personal dispute, please take it to PM or email.

OB1

09-26-2002, 05:19 PM

Quoting
1. It is not necessary to even activate "User Profiles".
All users could use the same "Default User Settings", would not need to give a user name and password and all would see the same GUI.

>> since she wants to get rid of the 'louise' folders, she must first >>log in as Admin (because you cannot delete the account that is >>currently logged on), create another account for the daughter and >>delete the user 'Louise' which in XP user wizard could have been >>renamed,but the profile is still in the original name and not the >>alias. The XP user wizard is not a real manager like in NT/2k and >>i've seen weird stuff happening by using it

2. User Profiles could be activated but "Administrative Privileges" need not be activated. This would make all users equally able to select from among all the facilities which Windows has on offer.
>> i think all users created through the wizard automatically have >>admin rights, unless specified otherwise, but i could be mistaking >>there

3. An individual could appoint him/her-self Administrator, with all the special private laws [privi-leges] which become available and could then limit the freedom of action of all the other users [modelled on our society I presume]. They would then find certain [vital and useful?] Windows features unavailable to them. I doubt if granny's daughter has any need or desire to do this and I find it astonishing that Microsoft would make XP set this up automatically! [QUOTE "the first user to be created.....is automatically the administrator of the system"]

>>only admins can create users and change rights
>>the 'real' administrator is hidden from the user wizard and fast >>logon screen, to prevent accidental deleting, and because you have >>to create a user at first startup, that user is also an admin
>>this is different from nt/2k, where the first logon >>is 'administrator' (the real thing)and additional users must be >>defined using user manager
>>administrator account in xp can be used to log on by pressing ctrl->>alt-del twice at the logon screen if i remeber correctly

4. Granny has no problem with "User Profiles" since she has not activated them. I only mentioned them to put her problem in context. Her problem is with the PC name and the name[s] of the registered owner

>>she also has a problem with "the folder named 'louise' with >>subfolders 'cookies, favorites, start menu..." so this is about >>profiles as well. although there is only one profile and windows will
>>use this to log in by default if you're using the fast logon method, >>it is still a profile, and in order to get rid of it she needs to
>>create another first

AFter typing all this i begin to wonder if it's XP Pro or Home edition, could be Home, and then most of what i just said probably doesnt apply, and Sylvander is right.
But i'll post this anyway, otherwise i did all the work for nothing
Why the hell did they make two different editions anyway
Anyway even if it is Home, if you want to get rid of an existing profile, you first have to create another, since you can't delete the one you're logged in with

Steve

09-26-2002, 07:04 PM

Hi folks,

I've been doing mountain man duty for a few daze and have a path that may be of interest.

If you want to change the "user name" in windows xp, try this....

Click Start > Run > Type Regedit > Click Hkey_Local_Machine > Software > Microsoft > Windows NT > CurrentVersion....Scroll down and right click "Winlogon". Scroll down to "DefaultUserName" and right click. Select "Modify"...and change to whatever you like.

Works real good...:)

PS...I hope that you can use that info, Granny..

RKBA

09-27-2002, 08:16 AM

In spite of the flying pig's gratuitous, cloying, and false statements about Dell Inc's support policies (or lack thereof), I once had the great misfortune to purchase one of their piece of sh*t computers. It was obvious they had never even turned it on to test it after assembly, because it was DOA. After wasting half a day with it, I finally got it to work by removing the ethernet card. My misfortune actually started even before the purchase during the selection phase when Dell refused to speak with me on the telephone about configuration options of the computer I wanted to purchase. The dumb SOB's at Dell would only speak with the purchasing department of my company about it because the purchasing department were the ones that generated the purchase order from my purchase requisition. Naturally my procurement department didn't know diddly squat about computers, but I was nonetheless forced to funnel all my questions and answers to and from Dell through some clerk in our purchasing department. None of that would have been necessary if Dell hadn't "misplaced" my order for three months, during which time the computer became obsolete because a much better computer configuration became available for the same price during that time - consequently I needed to modify the original order. But finally receiving the computer and repairing it myself was only the start of my problems. The so called "24 inch monitor" they sent was also defective and I had to return it for replacement, not to mention the fact that calling it a "24 inch monitor" was blatantly false advertising - it was only 21 inches diagonally. My problems weren't over until I finally ended up nuking the hard drive contents by fdisking, reformatting, and reinstalling the OS from scratch myself.

In any case, the point of this post is to mention to granny that at the time (it was about 6 years or so ago), Dell computers came with a hidden partition containing a compressed exact image of the main hard drive partition in its "factory fresh" configuration. I do not recall the procedure for restoring the factory configured hard drive image, but it was something very simple and I would think that Dell support should at least be willing to tell you how to do it without your having to go through the entire Windows installation process. Restoring the "factory fresh" image restored not only the OS itself, but also all the Dell crap and applications that came preinstalled on the computer. That should put it into the virgin state it was in when you removed it from the box.

Good luck,

-- Ron

iisbob

09-27-2002, 09:57 AM

In spite of the flying pig's gratuitous, cloying, and false statements about Dell Inc's support policies (or lack thereof),

excuse me?

Too bad you both never read your contracts; I suggest you peruse Dell's website first and actually READ your contract before you once again blow off steam about a problem your own ignorance put you into.

Now our contracts at work are substantially different in support respects than a typical home users; but I guarantee you that there is nowhere in the contract you have where it states Dell will bend over backwards to hold your hand if you can't figure out how to right click a mouse. if you need help learning how to use a PC, you have no business owning one in the first place.

True, under Windows 98/me Dell did use a ghosting utility called ZZtop-unfortunately most users wound up destroying that partition image before it could be used. This is no longer done on Dell PC's, especially not with XP.

Interesting that Millions of average users have absolutely no problem with Dell technical support RKBA-seems you just happen to be the minority that fell afoul of bad purchasing dept practices; is that Dell's fault or the fault of your own ignorant personnel?

As for you Yoda, I never pay any attention to you, you can leave or post here as you choose; i could care less.

Amazing how many members of this post can't intelligently post a response; instead they have to attack other people without any accurate information in their rebuttal-instead they lean towards small-minded personal insults. Such a pity.

Granny I apologize for the way your post has been hijacked by these ignorant associates to turn you quest for help into a diatribe for their own personal shortcomings. Maybe they'll show some maturity later on.

As for your support with Dell, as I mentioned above it doesn't matte where you go, you are going to run into problems and incompetence in any business; but by far most of the tech support people I’ve delt with over the years at dell were very knowledgeable and helpful{even though the majority of the time we only solicited their help for part no#'s so we could replace a part}-but they are under certain constraints placed upon them by the very nature of their business-while you are having a minor issue with naming problems in windows, there is someone who can't even get into windows-and they have to prioritize their resources to help those with serious problems. Doesn't mean they can't nor wont support you-just means they have to choose which is the greater need.

if any of you had ever worked in a help desk environment you'd understand what I’m talking about; you have to choose the more serious problem to deal with and the most expedient way to handle it-that's why reinstalling windows is touted so much by retail tech support. it's not because they can't fix your problem any other way; but because of time constraints put upon them by their employer-they don't want their people on the phone for 2 hours fixing your problem when it would take only 1 hour to reinstall and fix your problem. No one likes it, least of all the tech on the phone because he now has to check back up on you to make sure everything has been reinstalled right.

Short of it is, that if you are going to buy a retail system-be aware of the limitations of the support you will receive, they are not going to hold your hand for every little problem you have.

Everyone in the IT field needs to work help desk for at least 6 months; then you'd have a true feeling for what it's like in the IT field and why those of us who do contract work on the side charge as much as we do and why we receive such hi salaries for our corporate jobs.

However this is neither here nor there as far as your posting is concerned Granny; please post bak here with your results from your attempt at changing your PC name & your daughter's user information so we can see if you've been helped by the info that was posted here.

ixl

09-27-2002, 12:20 PM

Dell is a big company with millions of customers. It is not reasonable to believe that they suck entirely, or they wouldn't have millions of customers. At the same time, it is also not reasonable to believe that they don't have many, many customers who have legitimate beefs with them and their service and support.

The comments on this thread are still generating more heat than light; the criticisms are being directed at the participants and not the subject matter. If it doesn't stop immediately I will lock the thread. If I see it continue in other threads, those responsible will be held accountable. You've been warned...

c

RKBA

09-27-2002, 01:12 PM

Originally posted by iisbob
Too bad you both never read your contracts; I suggest you peruse Dell's website first and actually READ your contract before you once again blow off steam about a problem your own ignorance put you into.Originally posted by RKBA
It was obvious they had never even turned it on to test it after assembly, because it was DOA [Note: For the mentally challenged, "DOA" means "Dead On Arrival"] ... Dell..."misplaced" my order for three months ... The so called "24 inch monitor" they sent was also defective and I had to return it for replacement

Originally posted by iisbob
...there is nowhere in the contract you have where it states Dell will bend over backwards to hold your hand if you can't figure out how to right click a mouse. if you need help learning how to use a PC, you have no business owning one in the first place.Originally posted by RKBA
... I finally got it to work by removing the ethernet card ... But finally receiving the computer and repairing it myself was only the start of my problems ... The so called "24 inch monitor" they sent was also defective and I had to return it for replacement

Originally posted by iisbob
RKBA-seems you just happen to be the minority that fell afoul of bad purchasing dept practices; is that Dell's fault or the fault of your own ignorant personnel?Originally posted by RKBA
... Dell refused to speak with me on the telephone about configuration options of the computer I wanted to purchase

hawk7771us

09-27-2002, 02:38 PM

[http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q295017 ] hi granny this is how you would change the computers name from ms.then what i did,i sign on as adim then set up a user account then deleted that account from users accounts. xp did not delete user data so i right click it from c promt and deleted each one manually. i am not sure if this is the right way to do it but it worked.then go back and set up an account in the name that you want it.i have xp pro. now i may be all wrong about this,so if i am help guys and girls. thanks

Paul Komski

09-27-2002, 04:45 PM

HeHe Hawk; like you, while the heat was a-generating, I was playing around with my own settings (Win2K but should be the same for WinXP - barring activation of course); and I'm on a similar wavelength to you I think. Anyways I'm gonna try and attempt a summary.

The PC has been given the following settings:-
1) Name of PC = GrannysDaugher
2) PC "RegisteredTo" = Louise
3) 1st User Name = Louise (in Administrators)
4) 2nd User Name = Louise+Surname (in Administrators)

If both these users have logged-in, there will be two folders in the "Documents and Settings" Folder in addition to "All Users" and "Default User" called:
5) Louise
6) Louise+Surname

To change the name of the PC (which mustn't be a user name or vice versa) RClick MyComputer and choose "Properties" then on the "Network Identification" Tab Click on the "Properties Button" and just change to any valid name. Click OK twice and reboot.

To add GrannysDaughter as a new User From ControlPanel<>"Users and Passwords" the following should be showing:-
7) Administrator (in Administrators)
8) Guests (in Guests)
9) Louise (in Administrators)
10)Louise+Surname (in Administrators)

Click on the Add button, follow the wizard and (a) add GrannysDaughter as a new User; (b) either enter nothing or add then confirm a password; (c) ensure this profile is added to the Administrators Group. Click OK and the new user should have been added; the folders, etc for her will only be created after logging-on. So once again reboot.

Log on with GrannysDaughter and return to "Users and Passwords". Remove Louise and Louise+Surname and click OK. Then Open Windows Explorer and Open the "Documents and Settings" Folder and Delete the Louise and Louise+Surname Folders.

To change the Registered Owner
Type and enter regedit in the run box.
Highlight MyComputer in the left pane of the Registry Editor.
From the Registry Menu select "Export Registry File" and then save it with a name of your choice to disk somewhere, so that you can later restore the registry if need be.
Then navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion in the left pane.
RClick on RegisteredOwner in the right pane and choose modify.
In the ValueData: box type your daughter's name and OK it.

Close the Editor and reboot. Hopefully everything will be the way you want it.

[b]Fall-back strategies (some of which seem to be the cause of disagreement)
Do a clean reinstall.
Get Dell to fix things.

Good Luck! ;)

jabarnutcase

09-27-2002, 08:00 PM

"The forum of the Dell
The forum of the Dell
It's really very scary-O
The forum of the Dell"

http://www.modemmom.com/graphics/im_misc-ani/BW_notes-ani.gif
Sorry, not too helpful... Just thought it would be fun...:rolleyes: :D

iisbob

09-27-2002, 08:58 PM

... Dell refused to speak with me on the telephone about configuration options of the computer I wanted to purchase

... is that Dell's fault...?

Who is in control when the you are purchasing an item?

But finally receiving the computer and repairing it myself was only the start of my problems ...

...there is nowhere in the contract you have where it states Dell will bend over backwards to hold your hand if you can't figure out how to right click a mouse. if you need help learning how to use a PC, you have no business owning one in the first place.

should i put it into english for you?

Steve

09-27-2002, 09:07 PM

Oh ye who are north of the south, The problem is...

In xp there is no "RegisteredOwner" entry in the registry. Instead, you right click on Winlogon. And there it is. The entry for DefaultUserName. Easily modified to anything you want. But what I've found is...no matter what you change it to, when you reboot, you're back to what you started with. :(

I don't know the answer yet. I'm starting to think this has something to do with xp activation. I'll keep diggin'. :)

Paul Komski

09-27-2002, 09:08 PM

Time to get out your "Vorpal Blade" methinks Jaba :p

Thanks Steve; I was hoping that someone would confirm it to be OK or NOT. Sadly it seems to be the latter :( If you change the default user, does this change the "Registered Owner" under the MyComputer Properties. If not, I wonder if a search of the Registry for the actual "Registered Name" might come up with an entry somewhere else.

Or is the "Default User" the default name put up into the logon box maybe?

Dancing Queen's question here HERE (http://www.windowsxpuser.com/forums/viewtopic.php?topic=187&forum=11&5) seems to indicate that the "Default User" in XP might be the equivalent of the "Registered Owner" in previous editions of Windows; and it's in the same Registry Key too.

Found it!! It is the same in XP according to Change the Registered Owner and Organization (All Versions) (http://www.winguides.com/registry/display.php/32/)
"If you entered the wrong registration information when you installed Windows you can change it and other miscellaneous settings such as ProductID and ProductName."

jabarnutcase

09-27-2002, 09:27 PM

One, two! One, two!
And through and through
The vorpal blade went snicker-snack!
He left it dead, and with its head
He went galumphing back.....:eek:

sounds like a horrible XPerience!.....:(

Ok,OK...I'll behave now...OK? OK

mjc

09-27-2002, 10:13 PM

Ok the back and forth bickering is over....

It has gone on long enough to figure out that RKBA got stiffed by Dell as far as support goes (may have had a phone tech who was totally cluesless or something, but he is not a satisfied customer), and that iisbob, has a pretty comfy job doing contract work...but the one thing that hasn't been cleared up is granny's problem!

I still stand that Dell should fix it. Regardless of how much the user does or does not know, they (Dell) have a responsibilty to provide some measure of support for a period of time (upon that point there is much disagreement...but I will say that it seems to differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, version of Windows and possibly even where purchased). This problem seems to have been exacerbated by erroneous/misleading information supplied by a Dell representative (even if that phone support person does not directly work for Dell he was still representing Dell, and if the problem did not appear in his script then he should have passed it up to someone else).

This is from my EULA for win98 on my HP:

6. PRODUCT SUPPORT. Product support for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is not provided by MS, Microsoft Corporation, or their affiliates or subsidiaries. For product support, please refer to Manufacturer's support number provided in the documentation for the HARDWARE. Should you have any questions concerning this EULA, or if you desire to contact Manufacturer for any other reason, please refer to the address provided in the documentation for the HARDWARE.
(notice there is no mention of a time limit, so it seems that it is up to HP to determine that, but it also implies that HP is to be responsible for Windows support for the duration...this is not posted to try to prove anyone "right" but to show that there is not one blanket EULA, of course each version of Windows is somewhat different)

iisbob is right on one very important point about that, until you actually read the documentation you won't know for sure.

One of the hurdles we are facing with this problem is that there are some things about XP that are completely different, no matter how similar many others are, from every other version of Windows previous to it. It is quite possible, that by design it is now impossible to make certain changes...especially in the home version. It would not suprise me at all to see certain registration details burried in the registry and encrypted, so that when changed the next boot would cause a conflict that would then cause the "original" entries to be re-written to the registry.

Also, could not the various "system file protection" features have a role here?

What about system restore?

Paul Komski

09-27-2002, 10:24 PM

HeHe; perhaps Granny needs to be restored! Good point mjc; but what is the very first restore point made with a new install?

mjc

09-27-2002, 10:29 PM

Not sure...I will have to explore it a little more. But I do know that there are certain bits that XP does keep in encrypted form and does check. like the PID so other details could be done that way too.....

Steve

09-27-2002, 10:37 PM

Thanks Paul,

BUT...no matter where I go, no matter how I do it, I just can't find "RegesteredOwner" or "RegesteredName" anywhere in the regestry.

I've got "Home" on my laptop and "Pro" on my desktop machine. I'd sure like to figure this out. I had had a few beers when I setup my laptop and would sure like to change my registered name...:o

jabarnutcase

09-27-2002, 10:47 PM

Steve...Have a few beers. You'll figure it out! :D

On a more serious note from me (FINALLY, you say)

Something I love to do sometimes with a big company, is call back tech support if you are not satisfied with the first response. Generally, you get someone else, often with very different results.

And you would be AMAZED at the results I've had by writing a letter to "president/CEO" of various companies....Once you put something in writing, it pretty much has to be addressed.
It's fun. I've received free airline tickets, cameras, computer parts, credit vouchers..Well, you name it. All because customer satisfaction is important. You've heard the old saying: Have a good experience and you tell a few people.
Have a bad experience, and you tell everyone you know!!!

Man, aren't I a pain in the neck!!! ;)