changing original owner's name / users name etc.

[carol]

I've just acquired a second hand PC. Although the previous owner thoughtfully created a new user name for me, it's not the one I want to use. I can see that the folder has a padlock icon. Plus, when I install a new program it inserts the name of the first owner, together with his company. How do I make this PC mine and be rid of any association with the previous owner(s)? Oh, it was originally Vista. I upgraded to 7 home.

[liljim]

You may have to create a new user to get the login you want but as far as registered owner goes you should be able to change it in the registry.

Open regedit and go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion

you should be able to edit the registered owner and registered organization keys.

reboot and it should acknowledge the change