Windows System folders
 

I have got a laptop that used to belong to someone else, but it was configured with her as the user, and one of the system file directories has her name on it. I want to change it to something more generic, but it won't allow me to do this.

I am sure there is a way of doing it, but does anyone have any ideas on how this can be done?

It is a folder within the Documents and Settings folder under C: drive (if that helps)

Re: Windows System folders
 

If it is her home directory then you will need to be an admin user for a start. I have a feeling that Windows will still have a handle to stop you doing it. Try searching Microsoft site Knowledge base.

Re: Windows System folders
 

If the previous user was part of a domain.. say in an office enviroment and the file was made "permissions to change or modify this file to user or administrator only"..you can't change the file name or anything in it.. do you have access to the contents? can you copy the file?

Re: Windows System folders
 

The computer is a standalone laptop.

The path for the start menu (for example) is C:\documents and settings\nameofuser\start menu

nameofuser replaces her actual name, and I want to change that to something more generic

Re: Windows System folders
 

If you create a new user you should get a Start Menu for that user. This is a thing called profiles where different users can have different things on their start menu. Just copy any shortcuts that aren't part of the global start menu across to the new user.

Ian

Re: Windows System folders
 

That's a good idea - then I can delete her profile and still retain the original settings?

Re: Windows System folders
 

If you are just talking about start menu then yes, If you want other bits of her profile(colours, fonts, desktops etc) then you need to get them from the profile. This includes emails etc as stuff is stored in hidden folders under Documents and Settings.

Make sure you don't delete anything untill you are SURE you have everything you want

Re: Windows System folders
 

if it is a standalone and the previous has a password .... ask for the password