I inherited a laptop from a friend, and I am trying to change the username folder name in the "Documents and Settings" directory. Windows does not let me do this. Is there a way to do this? I would prefer to use a tool rather than manually edit the registry, if registry changes are involved. Also, this seems to present a corollary problem of using the wrong username in the cookie prefix. In fact, it is a different name than either my username or the person providing it to me. It is the name of a person who used the computer for a short while.

In Control Panel, click User Accounts, click the account, click "Change my name".

Yes, that changes the username that appears in the start menu and in the welcome screen, but it does not change the name of the folder in "Documents and Settings" or the prefix on the cookie name. I've already done what you suggested.

Create a new user [yourname] then just delete the old user.. Remember to back up anything in Documents and Settings" directory that you want to keep...if i rember it gives you the option of also deleting the old users Documents and Settings HTH Alan56 If it ain't broke....Then why the hell not? Any fool can make a rule and any fool will follow it

Thanks. I did this when I inherited the machine. I have a new user, with a new folder, but I still can't delete or rename the old one.

well if u log into the new user u have created then u should be able to delete that file .. its unbelievable that u cant .. if so try in safe mode by being logged to your new user of course or an admin .

You cant change the name [cookie name] as you call it,unless you install windows a fresh.The name is only entered when installing windows.