user acct name/home folder name mismatch

Discussion in 'macOS' started by msavwah, Jan 1, 2011.

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  1. msavwah, Jan 1, 2011
    Last edited: Jan 1, 2011

    msavwah macrumors 6502

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2010
    Location:
    Oahu
    #1
    On a family mac I set up the first original account (admin) with name 1, then later changed it to name 2 while downgrading it to a standard account. This done after creating a new admin account and several other standard accounts.

    Now, the account is using name 2 while its user home folder is still using name 1.

    Things are working fine, just a minor annoyance and potential source of confusion for family members using the machine.

    I would like to clear it up, but I know it can be risky using the root user to change the name of that folder, which I know how to do but don't want to risk it.

    Any other options? Advice?
    If there are no safe alternatives I am likely not going to take any action.
    I am most curious about exactly how and why this happened.
    thanks!
     
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  2. calderone, Jan 1, 2011

    calderone macrumors 68040

    calderone

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2009
    Location:
    Seattle
    #2
    Did you change the shortname or the Full Name? I am guessing the later, as what you describe wouldn't have happened the way it did.

    The easiest way to clear this up.

    1. Log in as an admin
    2. Open Terminal
    3. Type:
    Code:
    cd /Users
    4. You need to type the following (replacing the proper home folder shortname):
    Code:
    sudo mv currentshortname newshortname
    5. When that is done, close Terminal
    6. Open the Accounts Preference Pane
    7. Delete "name 2"
    8. Create a new account with the same shortname that you entered for newshortname.
    9. You will be notified that a home folder already exists with that shortname, select the option to use that home folder.

    The advantage to this method (while a bit lengthy), is that you don't have to worry about permissions. The OS will handle that for you.

    Ask questions if you are unsure.
     
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