User name on computer

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Level 1

70 points

User name on computer

This may seem strange. A long while ago I bought a used laptop from someone at work. It worked fine for years. Then I decided to get a Mac. The problem is that the user name on my laptop was the previous owner. And then I made the huge mistake of letting the Apple store guys transfer my stuff from the laptop to my iMac. They copied the user name. I ended up having to redo almost everything they did. Especially the music where they transferred and put everything into iTunes but ignored the playlists. I redid all that. However I do not see a way to change the user name. It's the same as the one I bought the laptop from many years ago. And I would rather not completely wipe the system and staft from scratch.

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.1)

Posted on Jan 1, 2014 5:48 AM

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Answer 1

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,492 points

Jan 1, 2014 6:22 AM in response to SteveShapiro

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH10658

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Answer 2

SteveShapiro Author

Level 1

70 points

Jan 1, 2014 6:49 AM in response to SeaPapp

This looks like it changes the computer name. I am talking about the default user name. Below it is LamyaLari.

This is what terminal shows:

It's the LamyaLari I am trying to change.

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Answer 3

SteveShapiro Author

Level 1

70 points

Jan 1, 2014 6:59 AM in response to SteveShapiro

Ok, I found this, but because of the warnings I am wary of changing anything. Can I just change the accont name without repercussions?

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Answer 4

Klaus1

Level 9

52,879 points

Jan 1, 2014 6:59 AM in response to SteveShapiro

How to change user account name or home directory name:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1428

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3872

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Answer 5

SteveShapiro Author

Level 1

70 points

Jan 1, 2014 7:07 AM in response to Klaus1

When I find the LamyaLari folder it will not let me change the name. Under "Get Info" the option is grayed out. See the advanced options above that I am wary of trying. Likewise using the unix command "mv" seems too dangerous. Also I am worried about the process because of this:

NOTE: This process results in the creation of a new account and migration of your user data to that new account. The new account may not have access to data from the old account on any other system such as cloned hard drives or Time Machine backups.

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Answer 6

SeaPapp

Level 7

26,492 points

Jan 1, 2014 8:29 AM in response to SteveShapiro

Follow the instructions Klaus1 linked to and I believe you'll accomplish what you're looking for.

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Answer 7

SteveShapiro Author

Level 1

70 points

Jan 1, 2014 10:04 AM in response to SeaPapp

Actually I don't know what happened. But following the instructions pretty much deleted my screen stuff, etc.

1.) That info must be out of date. There was no option to not delete stuff

2.) I am now restoring from Time Machine. (By the way, you cannot hold Command-R down while you restart with a bluetooth keyboard. Good thing I kept the old wired one.

3.) I have scheduled a call with Apple Care so maybe they can talk me through how to do this without destroying everything I have done already.

Thanks to all those who helped. This discussion shoud be considered closed.

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