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Error when Setting up a New MacBook Air

Hello, I am trying to set up my new MacBook Air however when I try I am getting the error "The name you used cannot be used" "The name is not available, try a different name"


I have a Macbook from 2013 (which is what I am upgrading from) however I am not looking to transfer any information from the 2013 MacBook to my new 2024 MacBook. I do still wish to use the 2013 model, so I do not want to wipe it entirely or anything.


I currently have Big Sur 11.7.10 operating system on the 2013 MacBook (I cannot do any further system updates.)


I looked into changing the name of my 2013 MacBook, following instructions I found on this forum, however when I click into advanced options under "Users & Groups" the account name is blanked out, not letting me change anything (I was attempting this under a different account, and not the admin account which was advised also)


Is there any other way to keep my current name/details for my new MacBook?

How do people upgrade their MacBooks otherwise? Do they just have different variations on their names? or; Is this because I am not transferring anything from my old MacBook to new?

MacBook Air 15″, macOS 14.5

Posted on Nov 9, 2024 2:26 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 9, 2024 5:14 AM

I use variations on names indeed.


My MacBook is cold Nick's new MacBook


When I get a new one it would be Nick's newer MacBook


To change the name: try and see if you can change the name under the admin account. If that is not working, is your computer managed by a company ?? `then the system admin could prohibit actions like these

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 9, 2024 5:14 AM in response to HPD23

I use variations on names indeed.


My MacBook is cold Nick's new MacBook


When I get a new one it would be Nick's newer MacBook


To change the name: try and see if you can change the name under the admin account. If that is not working, is your computer managed by a company ?? `then the system admin could prohibit actions like these

Error when Setting up a New MacBook Air

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