I just bought a used computer with Windows 98. In the start menu, it shows Log Off with the name of the person who used to own the computer. How do I remove his name and any other reference to him on the computer, and change the start up menu to "Log Off Default"? Thanks RonH

I am using win2K right now... so I don't EXACTLY know what the process is... BUT if U go to START - SETTINGS - CONTROL PANEL.... There should be an icon named USERS ... double click that and U'll see... Hey... at least it's an idea on where to start looking :)

Restart the computer in safe mode, by pressing F8 and selecting option 3 and the operating system starts to load. Then using explorer, look for a file with the user name .pwl, it should be in c:\windows. Then open folder c:\windows\profiles, and delete the folder with this username. Then restart the computer, Start, shutdown, restart, ok, and let the computer boot normally. You will get a message, that asks you to log on, eg type a username and password, click cancel or press escape. Then click on start, settings, control panel, passwords. Under user profiles, make sure the selection that all users will use the same settings and preferences is selected. You may need to restart the computer. You will then be asked to type in your own username and password. Well set the username to either your own, or default, and leave the password blank. It will ask you to confirm the blank password, and from then on, it will autolog you in

Can't believe the errors i make... Delete the pwl file as well. So in safe mode 1 Delete c:\windows\username.pwl 2 Delete c:\windows\profiles\username You don't have to use safe mode. Starting from where you are logged on as the user you don't want. Start/settings/control panel/users Add new user, you can call this person default or your own name, whatever... Just accept all the defaults Then click on passwords, make sure all users use the same settings and preferences. Restarting the computer if necessary. If you don't have to restart the computer, simply log off, and log on as the new username, or simply press cancel. Then start/settings/control panel/users Now delete the old user and confirm the deletion. It will delete everything including old documents etc.

Actually, I'd delete ALL of the .pwl files. Try Start>Find Type: *.pwl (ENTER) Delete all of them. To change other references to him, go to Start>Run Type: regedit (ENTER) Go to Edit>Find and type in his name. Change any reference your own name, then click Edit>Find Next. Continue until you get the "search completed" message. Of course, anytime you mess around in the registry, it would be a good idea to back it up, just in case..... HTH Dave