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Two Users....Can I Delete the Original User and Keep the Second User?

I have a mid 2012 Mac Pro running High Sierra with 128 MB of RAM. Originally, it was my wife's computer, a laptop. Then when it died under warranty, we bought a 2008 Mac Pro and Apple migrated the hard drive to the new computer. At some point in its history, I thought it best to have a separate logon, so I created one, also as an administrator. And then a few years later I bought a used mid 2012 and simply moved the hard drives to the new computer.


I'm currently cleaning up the drive. This includes getting rid of iPhoto on both logons and going through all other file types. Everything on my wife's original logon will be moved, either to her new MacBook, or over to my logon on the 2012. I plan on leaving nothing on my wife's logon (the original logon). I do plan on keeping my logon on the 2012 and that will become my main computer.


My question is this: When it comes time to delete my wife's logon, and her as an original user, can I simply do that without disturbing my logon which will then become the primary/only logon? I'm hoping this is possible.


One more question: what is the easiest way to combine two Photos libraries on two different logins? One library is on my wife's logon, the other is on my logon.


Thanks much for all your help!




Mac Pro

Posted on Jun 30, 2021 3:08 PM

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Posted on Jun 30, 2021 5:37 PM

Yes, User accounts can be managed, added and deleted at System Preferences > Users & Groups.

An administrator user name and password will be required.


I know there are photo management utilities available to help with that task... I have no familiarity with any of them.

Good luck!

3 replies

Jun 30, 2021 3:18 PM in response to CreativeUsername1213

Hello, CreativeUsername1213.


Re: the two user accounts...Yes, what you describe is perfectly acceptable.

When it comes time to do that and you want to free up a bit more space, choose to delete her home folder as well.


Two Photos libraries is going to be a chore to combine.

I would advise to make a couple backups of her library to keep until you find the solution for merging.

It may lie with exporting her library and importing into yours.

Others will have to step up with suggestions for this.

Jun 30, 2021 5:15 PM in response to D.I. Johnson

Thanks for that. I suppose I'd delete her account somewhere in preferences?


I'm thinking I can move her Photos library to my logon and then perhaps do an import. Unless someone has an easier method. I'm also thinking it might be easier to go through both her and my libraries and get rid of all the photos I don't want. Though on second thought, that might be better done after combining the libraries. Either way I'm looking forward to doing it.

Two Users....Can I Delete the Original User and Keep the Second User?

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