HT204087: Move your data from a Windows PC to a Mac

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Michelle3319
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Is there a way that I can merge 2 user accounts?

I recently used the Migrtion Assitstant to move my music from my old PC to my MacBook Air but now I want to try and merge the two user accounts I have on the Mac.

MacBook Air

Posted on Dec 28, 2012 10:13 PM

by John Galt,Solvedanswer
John Galt John Galt
Level 9 (50,424 points)
Mac OS X
A:

You fell into the very understandable trap of configuring a new user account when you first used your MacBook Air. Then, you used Migration Assistant that migrated your old PC's account information to yet another account on your Air. Is that what happened?

 

Migration Assistant will warn you that it will do this, but it is easily ignored until you understand the consequences.

 

The result is the creation of two user accounts. They cannot be merged since OS X is specifically designed to keep one user's personal information out of the hands of others. The fact they are both you makes no difference to the Mac.

 

Choose the one you want to keep - it probably is the one you just created, with all your migrated information. Log in to that account, then go to System Preferences > Users & Groups. Ensure the account you are using has the box "Allow this user to administer this computer". If it is not checked, check it. Then, you can delete the redundant account by selecting it and clicking the "–" (minus) button. You can elect to archive that user's Home folder or delete the account immediately. You will probably want to delete it immediately.

 

The disadvantage of this is that you may not like the unique name that was required for your second user account. That can be fixed, if necessary.

Posted on Dec 28, 2012 10:29 PM

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Michelle3319

Q: Is there a way that I can merge 2 user accounts?

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  • Helpful answers

  • by John Galt,Solvedanswer

    John Galt John Galt Dec 28, 2012 10:29 PM in response to Michelle3319
    Level 9 (50,424 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 28, 2012 10:29 PM in response to Michelle3319

    You fell into the very understandable trap of configuring a new user account when you first used your MacBook Air. Then, you used Migration Assistant that migrated your old PC's account information to yet another account on your Air. Is that what happened?

     

    Migration Assistant will warn you that it will do this, but it is easily ignored until you understand the consequences.

     

    The result is the creation of two user accounts. They cannot be merged since OS X is specifically designed to keep one user's personal information out of the hands of others. The fact they are both you makes no difference to the Mac.

     

    Choose the one you want to keep - it probably is the one you just created, with all your migrated information. Log in to that account, then go to System Preferences > Users & Groups. Ensure the account you are using has the box "Allow this user to administer this computer". If it is not checked, check it. Then, you can delete the redundant account by selecting it and clicking the "–" (minus) button. You can elect to archive that user's Home folder or delete the account immediately. You will probably want to delete it immediately.

     

    The disadvantage of this is that you may not like the unique name that was required for your second user account. That can be fixed, if necessary.

  • by Michelle3319,

    Michelle3319 Michelle3319 Dec 28, 2012 11:48 PM in response to John Galt
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 28, 2012 11:48 PM in response to John Galt

    Thank you!!!!

  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt Dec 28, 2012 11:53 PM in response to Michelle3319
    Level 9 (50,424 points)
    Mac OS X
    Dec 28, 2012 11:53 PM in response to Michelle3319

    You're welcome. Enjoy your new MacBook Air.

     

    I predict your old PC is going to see very little use. You might as well "deauthorize" its iTunes account purchases before it becomes completely forgotten:

     

    iTunes Store: About authorization and deauthorization