How to change computer name and identity on macbook?

The only surefire way is a clean install.

 

is there no way of changing the computer name/administrators name without a total reinstall?? crap.

 

Re-install Mac OSX.

Use the DVD(s) included in the box.

That way, everything is in your name, and you won't have any pref files or user data from him using the MacBook.

Enjoy what sounds like your first Mac.

 

Can you not change it by rebooting with your OSX disk in? The same way you change your password.

 

yes enjoy your first mac


for me it definelty isnt my first mac. but it something ive always wondered how to do - without having to re-install the OS.

what if you have to change the name for security reasons or something? or maybe you just dont like the name anymore?

 

Legal issues aside, there's no way to hange the name of the computer for this guy unless he does a clean install?

 

the answer is: you cannot change the name
the solution is: you NEED to BUY OS X, that is why you prob got a great deal, no docs, receipts, cd's, dvd's, for any of your software.

having said all that, i hope it's not a hot laptop.

this similar situation popped up in macrumors a couple years ago and the conclusion was the guy acquired the machine through nefarious means.

i'm not saying you did this, you ob. have the administrator's password.

 

The computer name is easy: System Preferences -> Sharing -> Computer Name.

Changing the name of the user is easy, too: System Preferences -> Accounts -> <choose your account> -> Name **

** Just note that the short user name of the first user made on the machine is virtually impossible to change - there is a long list on how to do is floating around, and it involves using the Terminal and NetInfo Manager, as far as I remember, but it's absolutely not recommended.

 

I don't understand how this is illegal for him.

Mac OS X is part of the Mac. It ships with the Mac. It would be different if say the Mac shipped with Panther and the guy installed Tiger but kept the Tiger disc for himself (or lost it).

Apple might sell the system restore DVDs for a discounted price or you could pressure your seller to find/buy them for you.

 

Do this in a terminal:

sudo scutil --set HostName servername.example.com

but make servername.example.com to be what you want your new hostname to be.

btw, this is no more illegal than logging onto the pc.


EDIT:
sorry for the thread necro, but this page came up on google when i was looking for the answer. So i figured it might as well have the answer in it, to help others.

 

That only changes the hostname; not the account stuff.

 

Or you can choose the simple way:
http://www.wikihow.com/Change-the-Name-of-Your-Macbook

 

Not THAT complicated!

It's really not as complex as re-installing everything from disk:

Open up "System Preferences." Then click "Sharing".
Select "Internet & Wireless".
Click the folder with "Sharing" under it.
Delete what's there and change the name.

There, not so bad!

 

Well I have LION so there is no disk bought the computer with all the software on it. Was able to change the name under system preferences but the file structure still shows his name. I installed Paralells and when I install Windows 7 it defaults to his name!