Changing Admin name on MacBook Pro?

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Level 1

19 points

Changing Admin name on MacBook Pro?

I have a Late 2007 MacBook Pro that came with Tiger. I have since updated it to 10.5.8.

I'm giving this computer to my mother. I would like to change the Admin name to her name. I do not want to create another account.

Is my only option to reinstall Tiger, change the admin name, and upgrade to 10.5.8?

There must be an easier way. Please help!

MacBook Pro 5, 1, late 2008 edition, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Sep 4, 2009 10:29 AM

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Answer 1

Sep 4, 2009 10:34 AM in response to Trisha K

Go ahead and do the upgrade with the existing admin account. Once you have Leopard installed and updated, open Sys. Prefs and the Accounts panel. Unlock the lock icon at the bottom left, and then right click (or control+click) on the admin account you want to change and click on the "Advanced Options" popup. From there you can change the short name (and of course, you can change the long name from the regular accounts pref. panel).

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Answer 2

Trisha K Author

Level 1

19 points

Sep 4, 2009 10:38 AM in response to Michael Black

So without reinstalling I can just change the name under System Preferences and I am good to go?

Is it that simple? Just unlock the name and change it????

Thank you!

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Answer 3

Sep 4, 2009 10:47 AM in response to Trisha K

Apple's doc on the procedure:

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

It would be best, as whenever doing anything like this, to have an up to date backup on hand.

This way is a bit more involved, but you have a choice of either way. I have used the method I mentioned first on one clients machine with no problems, but as always with something like this, YMMV.

P.s also a MacWorld article - http://www.macworld.com/article/132693/2008/03/changeshortusername.html

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Answer 4

Trisha K Author

Level 1

19 points

Sep 4, 2009 12:33 PM in response to Michael Black

thank you sir!

very much appreciated.

😉

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