Change Your Computer Name in Windows Vista
If you've ever bought a new computer with the operating system already installed, you might be annoyed by the default name of the computer when you start trying to connect different computers together. I like to use more descriptive names than HP382811UX… for example, I called my new desktop SUPERFAST and my old computer SOSLOW.
Changing this in XP was extremely simple, but in Vista it's buried behind a few more menus. Here are three routes you can take to open up System Properties:
- Type sysdm.cpl into the start menu search box (quickest)
- Right-click on the Computer option on the start menu.
- Open Control Panel, and go to System and Maintenance, and then System.
If you chose one of the last two options, then you'll need to click on Advanced System Settings on the left menu:
Now you'll finally be on the right screen, which should say System Properties.
Click on the "Change" button to rename the computer, which will pop up this dialog:
Now you can finally change the name of the computer. You could also change the name of the workgroup to something more descriptive as well. You'll have to reboot after you make this change.
This may sound ignorant but I can change the computer name in Vista but all my programs call me by another name for example:
Computer Name: CBS
But if I go to Configure Advanced User Profile Properties I see CBS\OWNeR
OWNeR is the name my programs use. How can I change this?
In your example, OWNeR is the username, not the computer name.
i changed the computer name, but upon startup it goes back to the prompt screen (for UAC) to change computer settings again.. how do i get that to stop!! i dont want the change settings prompt coming up everytime i start my computer.
I just had the same problem, but my daughter setup the computer and put HER name from the startup on the new Vista, so now EVERYTHING shows HER name, HER documents, HER network, and she will never use this again as she has gone to school
i don't use a password or click on a username, it just starts up every day, but her name is everywhere. Is there ONE place I can change Susan to Sharon and it will use Sharon in docs and stuff. i was told I could do this in the registry, but I was told I could also loose all my link connections?
SB
to JB
all you need to do is to change the name of the username
go to settings>user accounts> pick the adminstrator account(the first account)> change its name
and its finish
Note: You can't change the actual computer name on a domain unless you are a domain admin. The description you can change though.
I have purchased a ASUS laptop and have changed all the names that I know how to to my name.
The problem I have is that windows vista is still calling this computer by the old owners name and also his location. (CANADA) LOL. Any idea how to fix this problem anyone? Current Name ( ASUS/Jabramo)
in vista, i just reformatted my PC… and my friends played a prank on me while it was reformatting making the Computer Name and User Name = RETARD , i thought it was funny and easily fixable. i changed the computer name and my user name to what i wanted it to, but it won't change the name of the User folder so it'll show "MyName-PC/RETARD"
I went to the folder itself, and doesn't allow me to change the name of it. This is not a user account problem. plz help me.
HELP ME!!! It's not terribly urgent.. but… I managed to change my computer and user accounts all to my own name.. BUT the problem is there is still a folder which holds 'contacts' 'links' among other things that is still the wrong name… the folder goes as follows
local disk(C:)> Users> SexyOneGirl
SexyOneGirl is what im trying to change.. im neither sexy, nor am i a girl. (last time i checked) It's not a huge problem but it drives me CRAZY everytime i see it there. How can i change this, Keeping in mind that i've already used the method listed above and no results..ANY HELP you can offer would be most appreciated.. please rid me of this 'SexyGirl' curse.. Thanks fellow Vista's
is this a bug of vista? though i change the 'computer name' and 'user name' of the administrator account, vista still won't change the 1st name that u use in the initial setup of windows vista…
I have the exact same problem guys. Vista 32, started setting up new laptop with one admin's name for computer and account, then changed that admin account to 2nd name AND changed the computer name, but Vista programs all still say computer is owned by 1st admin etc.
Has anyone figured out this Vista bug yet at Microsoft sheesh?
I have a similar problem. The laptop I bought was the last one in the store, so it was the one they used to show to customers. That means that even though I've changed the name of my computer, it still says 'dynabyte' pretty much in every file name. (Even in the game 'Hearts' the name of the first player is dynabyte, and I'm unable to change that.)
Any ideas on how to fix this?
Thanks, it worked for me. Microsoft should have made it easier to do this.
Am having the same problem with windows vista. I bought a laptop that had been returned by the previous owner. I managed to change the user name and the computer name but I cannot change the profile name. This therefore means that the old owners name keeps showing up everywhere….just like the problems above. Please did any one have a solution that worked?
i have done what you said.this hasn't fixed the issue.when i install new programs the old user name still comes up.short of a complete clean and reinstall what can i do? THANK YOU!!!
Has anyone found a solution to the problem listed in the comments? I have the same thing — I had to send my computer to HP for repairs, and they did a clean install, named test. I've renamed the user account and computer, but everything still comes up test. I even tried just deleting all the accounts (I backed up my data first) since it actually created a second account at one point, but I still can't get rid of that stupid test name, and it's now officially driving me crazy that I can't find a way to change it.
hey guys. so is the problem your having is that you cannot change the administrator account name? toni, the same thing happened to my hp laptop as well. so what i did was:
1. control panel
2. search "users" at top right
3. click "make changes to accounts"
4. double click administrator account icon
5. click "change account name"
Just as many of the users have listed, who have bought a pre "set up" machine, I too can not change the UserProfile name. This is the name that you see when you follow the instructions listed above but add the following steps.
1. When in the system properties window, instead of clicking the "Computer Name Tab", click the "Advanced" tab.
2. Under the Advanced Tab, click on settings under User Profiles.
This is where the original name of the PC is located. How do you change it there? I too would LOVE to know how.
Thanks to any and all who can reply.
Hello everyone,
I think that the only way to solve this userprofile problem is:
1 - Backup all data in My Docs, Email, Favorites, Desktop…
2 - Create a "new user" on vista.
Control Panel, User accounts, Create new user.
3 - Restart vista and logon as "new user"
4 - Copy all data to the new account
5 - if you want. After you confirm that all data is restored, Delete the old account.
If you change the computer name you may also encounter a "task reminder" error in "Task Scheduler" saying "The specified account name is not valid".
This, I believe, is also related to the "Windows Calendar" reminders not working after a name change.