Windows 7: How Update User Name Fields

nicolgrp · 17 Sep 2012

My system was initially set up with a misspelling for the User name and Computer name as Nichol or NICHOL-PC. Consequently, several fields in the HomeGroup Provider registry entry are wrong. RegEdit locks these field for update. Does anyone have a methodology/process for changing the names.

TVeblen · 17 Sep 2012

To change the computer name:
Start > Computer > (top bar) System Properties
In the middle section under "Computer Name > Right side of screen > click "Change Settings"
At the bottom of the next window > click "Change"

To change the User Name:
Start > Control Panel > User Accounts > User Accounts > Choose "Change Your Account Name"

That should do it!

nicolgrp · 17 Sep 2012

I wish it was that simple. We've done this, but there are many residual entries in the registry containing the misspelled entries. Many entries that were set up with default values containing these entire

I'm considering Exporting the registry and changing it with NotePad and then Importing. But I'll have to do more research before making that risky change.

TVeblen · 17 Sep 2012

I don't know if those residual entries in the registry are going to bother anything. It could be a case of much ado over nothing.

If you want to make a project out of it you might try:

Re-changing the User account back to the original misspelled name.
Copying the user account to a new user with the new name
Then deleting the old user account.

That might get rid of a lot of the old entries.

But I really wouldn't bother unless there is a problem that affects the use of the OS. Is there?

Windows 7: How Update User Name Fields

How Update User Name Fields problems?