How do I change "Short name" in System Preferences?

[dondinero]

First and foremost thanks in advance for all replies!

I just purchased my first MAC,Powerbook G4 (12inch), from a friend and am trying to load my personal information on as the owner. Previos owner erased all of his docs and personal information but for some reason when I change my name as Admin the "Short Name" field remains the same, with his account name? How can I change this?

In addition is there anyway to "format" all of his "hidden: files but still keep the applications whole the and music in iTunes that got granfathered in the purchase of the G4?

Any link to a "clean up" of a used MAC would begreatly appreciated. Once again thanks to everyone for their help.

 

[TuffLuffJimmy]

To your short name question you'll have to make a new account. After that you can just move your old documents and files to your new account then delete the old account.

Why not just use the install disks to format the drive and start over?

 

[dondinero]

Thanks tuffluffjimmy..

the dope didnt send me the cds! I'll get him for this! thanks again...

 

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Thanks tuffluffjimmy..

the dope didnt send me the cds! I'll get him for this! thanks again...

That's too bad, those are pretty important. If you go to an Apple store and can prove that you now own that device I think you can ask for the restore disks and they'll order them for a small fee.

 

[macwall]

You can try changing the name in Sharing

 

[HLdan]

That's too bad, those are pretty important. If you go to an Apple store and can prove that you now own that device I think you can ask for the restore disks and they'll order them for a small fee.

The 12" Powerbook came out 6 years ago, I don't think Apple will be able to provide the restore discs. The OP bought a used computer, he should buy a copy of Leopard and iLife rather than trying to do workarounds, it's not worth it.

 

[Cameront9]

I don't see anyone answering the original poster's question yet.

The long and short of it is that it's not easy to do and can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. If it really bothers you, the easiest way would probably be to wipe the drive and reinstall tiger or leopard.

See this Apple support article:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1428

Again, trying to change the short name can seriously screw things up.

 

[TuffLuffJimmy]

I don't see anyone answering the original poster's question yet.

Then you didn't bother to read the thread, that's the first thing I said to the OP.

 

[riscy]

What you said tuffluffjimmy, RTP (Read The Posts)