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You are here: MacNN Forums > Software - Troubleshooting and Discussion > Mac OS X > Changing Admin Name/ Computer Name

Changing Admin Name/ Computer Name
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Fresh-Faced Recruit
Join Date: Jun 2004
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Mar 9, 2005, 10:53 AM
 
I just sold my trusty G3 iBook Clamshell. I have Mac OS X 10.3 installed on it w/ my name being my administrative login. I want to change this to something more generic for the new owner, but I don't really want to erase the hard drive and reinstall the OS to do this. Is there a way to change the administrative login long and short names without reinstalling the OS? Thanks to all that help!
     
Mac Elite
Join Date: Feb 2003
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Mar 9, 2005, 11:01 AM
 
The best way would be to create a new user with the info and delete the old one. Currently you can't change the short name of an account so this may be the best option for you.
"Another classic science-fiction show cancelled before its time" ~ Bender

15.2" PowerBook 1.25GHz, 80GB HD, 768MB RAM, SuperDrive
     
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Mar 9, 2005, 11:04 AM
 
Originally posted by OptimusG4:
The best way would be to create a new user with the info and delete the old one. Currently you can't change the short name of an account so this may be the best option for you.
I didn't see that it was possible to create a new administrative account and delete the current one. Is is possible to do something through the command line?
     
Mac Elite
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Mar 9, 2005, 11:45 AM
 
Ah. Basically you would create a new user, then in one of the tabs there is a box to check to make that account admin. Once that user is created, login to that account then delete the old user account.
"Another classic science-fiction show cancelled before its time" ~ Bender

15.2" PowerBook 1.25GHz, 80GB HD, 768MB RAM, SuperDrive
     
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Mar 9, 2005, 11:47 AM
 
Originally posted by UrbanRio:
I didn't see that it was possible to create a new administrative account and delete the current one. Is is possible to do something through the command line?
You don't need the command line.

Just create a new user, make them an administrator.

Then log in as the new user and delete your old account.
cpac
     
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Mar 9, 2005, 03:39 PM
 
Great! Thank you for your help. I have been able to do as you've suggested, however when you see the login splash screen the screen that says Mac OS X and allows you to enter your password it still has my name "Lisa's Computer" under the Mac OS X and above the user login and password info. Is there a way to remove my name from the login?
     
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Mar 9, 2005, 03:44 PM
 
I'm confused. Are you trying to delete an account from showing up on that list or change the computer's name?
     
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Mar 9, 2005, 03:45 PM
 
Originally posted by bborofka:
I'm confused. Are you trying to delete an account from showing up on that list or change the computer's name?
Change the computers name I think. I have already deleted the account. Thanks
     
Mac Elite
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Mar 9, 2005, 03:46 PM
 
To change the computers name, simply click on the sharing pane in system preferences and enter a new name.
"Another classic science-fiction show cancelled before its time" ~ Bender

15.2" PowerBook 1.25GHz, 80GB HD, 768MB RAM, SuperDrive
     
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Mar 9, 2005, 03:51 PM
 
Everybody has been most helpful. My name is now removed from the computer and I feel comfortable to give it to its new owner. Thanks again!
     
Mac Elite
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Mar 11, 2005, 12:47 PM
 
Now find a tool to write zeros to all the unused portions of the disk.
     
Mac Elite
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Mar 11, 2005, 04:40 PM
 
You can change your short user name with Accounts Enhancer.
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