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User profile for user: holtynq
holtynq Author
User level: Level 1
31 points

Can I change the name of my HOME FOLDER

I have recently purchased a 21.5" iMac 2009 running OS Sierra for the express purpose as I needed access to a working copy of GarageBand for my son's school project.The previous owner {whom I know well} removed all his personal data but left genetic user admin User Account settings including his admin password to help me get around any issues that we may encounter,which hasn't happened I might add. Can I now rename his Home Folder to something more appropriate and if so also change the old password. Thank you for any assistance.

Posted on Apr 24, 2023 7:22 PM

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User profile for user: D.I. Johnson
D.I. Johnson
User level: Level 7
23,567 points

Posted on Apr 24, 2023 7:44 PM

The Home Folder can be renamed, but it really is not recommended. The potential is high for making an error that would render the user account useless.


In order to do that you will need to create a new user account with admin privileges. And since you have to do that, you may as well just create that new admin user account using the name you wish to use. Set up that new user the way you wish it to be with the appropriate Apple ID and password that you will use for your own iCloud access, subscriptions and software and service purchases and data/device syncing.


The new user will still have access to Garage Band and any other apps properly installed on the Mac.


Then you can simply delete the old owner's user account and free up that storage space.


The Mac can have as many user accounts as you have family members. Some can have admin privileges and other can be limited. All can access and use the apps that are installed with macOS, including Garage Band.


I'll post this link, but I really wouldn't advise that you take this action.

Change the name of your macOS user account and home folder - Apple Support


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User profile for user: D.I. Johnson
D.I. Johnson
User level: Level 7
23,567 points

Apr 24, 2023 7:44 PM in response to holtynq

The Home Folder can be renamed, but it really is not recommended. The potential is high for making an error that would render the user account useless.


In order to do that you will need to create a new user account with admin privileges. And since you have to do that, you may as well just create that new admin user account using the name you wish to use. Set up that new user the way you wish it to be with the appropriate Apple ID and password that you will use for your own iCloud access, subscriptions and software and service purchases and data/device syncing.


The new user will still have access to Garage Band and any other apps properly installed on the Mac.


Then you can simply delete the old owner's user account and free up that storage space.


The Mac can have as many user accounts as you have family members. Some can have admin privileges and other can be limited. All can access and use the apps that are installed with macOS, including Garage Band.


I'll post this link, but I really wouldn't advise that you take this action.

Change the name of your macOS user account and home folder - Apple Support


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Can I change the name of my HOME FOLDER

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