Changing ID in XP-Pro

[KidKasha]

Want to give my computer to someone else, and would like to change ID's in system, so all future system software and operation will identify new owner. How do I go about it and is it posssible to remove my ID completely

 

[Doomer]

Reinstall XP ?

 

[KidKasha]

From your reply, I must reinstall. Is that correct?

 

[prosaic]

Well, considering that you're transferring the license for the OS with the system you are probably better off just reformatting and reinstalling. You'll never get rid of all traces of your name from the registry.

If you're just concerned about changing the registered name for Windows you can do that with a utility like Xteq's X-Setup. That's a very versatile and capable tweaking tool. I warn you to be CAREFUL in using it. (You'll be tempted to do more than just change the registered user name with it.) The setting you want is the last setting under System | User Data.

Frankly, you're better off (and the person getting the computer will be better off) with a clean installation of the OS.

- prosaic

 

[civad]

I think format and reinstall is the safest option.

After all, what would you do if the person you are giving the comp. to discovers on the system one of your * pron* files that you forgot to delete?

 

[Slogun]

The answer to your question without further comment...

How to Change Name and Company Information After You Install Win XP

Start/Run/Regedit
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion In the right pane, double-click RegisteredOrganization. Under "Value data", type the name that you want, and then click OK.

To change the name of the registered owner, do the following: In the right pane, double-click RegisteredOwner. Under "Value data", type the name that you want, and then click OK/Exit

 

[prosaic]

Let me just point out that the registry edit, or the use of X-setup for change that registry entry plus a few more, will not remove all instances of the registered owner and company name from the registry on a typical installation. That's only one of several reasons why I suggest a clean installation of the OS.

- prosaic

 

[Slogun]

There are several security, legal and ethical issues to consider when transferring a PC to a new owner. These have been discussed elsewhere in forums and publications.

I like to give the people the information they request however, how the choose to go from there is up to them.😛

 

[prosaic]

I understand that point of view, but I would point out that the question asked, and the manner in which it was asked, certainly implied a concern about those other issues -- hence my suggestions. I suspect the other responders had the samme thing in mind.

- prosaic

 

[Slogun]

Originally posted by: prosaic
I understand that point of view, but I would point out that the question asked, and the manner in which it was asked, certainly implied a concern about those other issues -- hence my suggestions. I suspect the other responders had the samme thing in mind.

- prosaic

Point well taken, and I essentially agree with your position.
It's now up to him how cautious he wants/needs to be.