Can't rename user folders

  • Thread starter Thread starter Fred Hoffman
  • Start date Start date
F

Fred Hoffman

When I set up my computer, using XP Home, I was prompted
to choose folder names, and chose long names making the
paths displayed in my explorer windows too long to appear
in full. I would like to shorten the folder names
including one called "Documents and Settings" that may
have been selected by Windows, and a subfolder
called "DellP2 Settings" that I chose; but when I try to
do so, I get an error message that says they are systems
folders that canot be renamed or removed. Am I locked
into these names forever?
 
Hi,
Am I locked into these names forever?

For those accounts - yes. You cannot rename the user folders. You would need
to create new user accounts with the preferred names, then port over the
settings and files you want to keep.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Windows
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone
 
Thanks.
Can I use an ordinary cut/paste operation to port the
files and settings to a new user folder? Can I do it
wholesale from the present "Documents and Settings"
folder? Can I delete the content of the old "Documents &
Settings"?
 
Hi,

"Documents and Settings" is a system folder as well, and should be left
alone. To copy the user profiles, see:

How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=811151

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Windows
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone
 
Thanks.
Can I use an ordinary cut/paste operation to port the
files and settings to a new user folder? Can I do it
wholesale from the present "Documents and Settings"
folder? Can I delete the content of the old "Documents &
Settings"?

I would leave that folder alone, you can seriously damage Windows XP
from working correctly if you rename it. You would have also to rename
100s of entries in the Registry as well if you rename that
folder...!!!


Peter Hutchison
 
Back
Top