Changed computer name and lost all my files - anyone help?!

Question

Changed computer name and lost all my files - anyone help?!

Feel so stupid and wish I could actually use this computer!

Recently got married so decided to change the computer name. That I did and all seemed OK.

When I turned it back on the next day I noticed that my usual desktop pic wasn't there along with all my files on the desktop. Started up iphoto and itunes and there were no files there at all. Tried changing the name back, tried to see if i've set up another user but to no avail. The memory left on the hard drive hasn't changed so I'm hopeful I haven't lost them forever. Currently on my honeymoon in asia too so really hoping the pics of these once-in-a-lifetime places are still there somewhere.

Can anyone help? Thanks in advance

Gemma

Macbook Pro, Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Dec 16, 2008 9:55 PM

Reply

Answer 1

LukeD

Level 4

3,153 points

Dec 16, 2008 10:51 PM in response to Mac Destroyer

To clarify, have you changed your short user name, your home folder name, or both?

In the interim, I have noted links, with more information, for you to check out.

http://www.macworld.com/article/132693/2008/03/changeshortusername.html

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8203000&#8203000

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1876

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1428

Reply

Answer 2

Dec 17, 2008 6:03 AM in response to Mac Destroyer

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

Did this:

+If you determine that the home directory is present but renamed, follow these steps:+

+In the Finder, go to the /Users folder.+
+Locate the new home directory, which bears the users' short name.+
+Add "_new" to the new home directory's name.+
+Rename the old home directory to the user's correct short name.+
+Log out and back in with the affected user account.+

and it worked! Wedding pic is back on the desktop when I log in, all the pics and files are there and most importantly it won't result in divorce!

Thanks again Luke

Gemma x

Reply