How to change the owner's name on the mac

Question

Level 1

8 points

How to change the owner's name on the mac

My friend bought me a mac from the US and he registered the mac using his name and now i need to have it changed to my name. Even the i chat has his user name and am not able to change it.

Macbook, Mac OS X (10.6.3)

Posted on Oct 16, 2010 1:53 AM

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Answer 1

b leo

Level 1

135 points

Oct 16, 2010 2:19 AM in response to Prem kk

Welcome to the forums!

Try rerunning the Setup Assistant, by following the instructions at the link below:

http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20010827120222505

Hope this works for you!

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Answer 2

Prem kk Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 16, 2010 6:40 AM in response to b leo

I tired that option but not sure if i am typing the right command. Can you check if the below command is the right one

mount -uw /cd /private/var/db/netinfomv local.nidb local.oldrm ../.AppleSetupDoneexit

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Answer 3

First Magus

Level 7

21,299 points

Oct 16, 2010 4:24 PM in response to Prem kk

This may be an easier method for you to do what you want. Open Accounts in *System Preferences*. Click the padlock to unlock your admin account.

Right click on your *My Account* name in the left hand window. Choose *Advanced Options*. This brings up a window that will allow you to change the short name easily. As long as you don't mess with any of the other settings you should be OK. Change the Account name and the User directory name to match.

Be sure to go under sharing in System Preferences and change the computer name also.

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Answer 4

First Magus

Level 7

21,299 points

Oct 16, 2010 5:02 PM in response to b leo

From his description I thought he wanted to set the MacBook up so it has his info on it. Such as user name and home directory. Maybe the OP can clarify what he wants to accomplish. He can register his MacBook on the support page using the Product Registration choice.

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Answer 5

First Magus

Level 7

21,299 points

Oct 16, 2010 5:53 PM in response to b leo

b leo wrote:
Pardon me if I'm incorrect, but I believe that the OP is trying to change who the MacBook is registered to, not merely the account's username.

Some additional info. If the MacBook needs warranty repair he can call Apple service and give them the serial number and his personal information. They may ask for a purchase receipt before providing service. I have never had Apple Service ask for this but be aware they can.

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Answer 6

b leo

Level 1

135 points

Oct 16, 2010 6:19 PM in response to First Magus

Well the OP does say "he registered the mac using his name". I suggested re-running the Setup Assistant as the assistant is intended to register the computer to a person, at the same time as setting up user profiles and Apple accounts.

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Answer 7

Oct 16, 2010 10:01 PM in response to Prem kk

If you want to change the user account short name and home directory name Here's an Apple document on how to do it. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1428

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Answer 8

b leo

Level 1

135 points

Oct 16, 2010 2:26 PM in response to Prem kk

No, each line on that website is a separate command. Type each line and press enter at the end of it.

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Answer 9

b leo

Level 1

135 points

Oct 16, 2010 4:27 PM in response to First Magus

Pardon me if I'm incorrect, but I believe that the OP is trying to change who the MacBook is registered to, not merely the account's username.

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