Windows XP Setup asks for username twice?

[ironk]

I noticed when doing a XP (pro sp3) install, it asks for a name twice. Whats the difference if I put in the same names or a different names in the fields?


http://i.imgur.com/ya6yef7.gif -First instance

http://i.imgur.com/kR4mh0w.gif -Second


So, can I put in 'My name' in both instances?

 

[mikeymikec]

The first time doesn't really serve any purpose anywhere. It sets who the computer is registered to, and the only time I'm aware of that information being used for anything is when you install an app that also has 'registered to', by default the app's installer tends to look up that entry in the registry (but most app installers will allow you to change who the app is registered to).

The second time definitely serves a purpose, it sets your username in Windows and also the folder name in %SYSTEMDRIVE%\Documents and Settings.

 

[ironk]

That is really odd, why'd it have two places to enter the name when the first one is something that is not used much? I ended up putting the same name in both fields, hopefully that is ok. Thanks for explaining!

 

[mikeymikec]

Win7 doesn't ask, I can't remember Vista doing so either, FWIW.

 

[Dahak]

That is really odd, why'd it have two places to enter the name when the first one is something that is not used much? I ended up putting the same name in both fields, hopefully that is ok. Thanks for explaining!

Yep it is fine, the first screen, is used when you go into computer properties and you see registered to, or when install software it will default those

The 2nd screen is when you are creating the first user account