[jmsfmtex]

I would like to give a laptop to a friend but do not want personal info on the drive. Data such as my name and any log in information. How do I do this without reformatting my entire drive?

[redhead23]

is this windows xp vista? or what?

[jmsfmtex]

Windows XP Home edition SP2

[redhead23]

the only thing i can think of would be making sure the are no passwords save remove the log on password (if you have one) change your log in name to user and that will make sure your "friend" cant get any of you info also check that you have no cookies left on the computer also may i ask if you dont mind why you dont want to just reformat the drive?

[jmsfmtex]

I have too many additions to the drive, extra programs etc., that I would also like to pass on. Thanks for your reply.

[AuroraDizon]

(tired) standard cookies, temp files, admin name password scan for virus's as well in case there may be a keylogger somewhere on board. Don't forget if you have logged information on messengers and other things of that sort.

[jmsfmtex]

Alright I have gotten rid of all the items mentioned now I would like to change the "User Name". When attempting to do this from some areas I get the warning that this is a "Windows File" and cannot be changed. This has my full name and I would like to delete/change it to something else. I do not know if this will negate my Windows authorization.I have also attempted to contact the maker (Toshiba) about getting recovery/replacement disks but was unable to locate a source. If all else fails I will format the drive rather than have my name out there is someone else's hands.

[mphenterprises]

Hi jmsfmtex. The system is telling you accurate information. Your full name was entered when you first installed Windows. I think, I could be wrong, but I think you have to make any administrative changes through the Control Panel under Accounts or User Accounts.Once you get to that section, you should be able to click on a link that says something like, "Make changes to this account." Once you do that, you should be able to change the User Name there.If not, I thought this from the beginning but I wanted to remain neutral, I think you may need to just do a reinstall and be done with it.

[jmsfmtex]

Unable to change/delete the name I want. I think it is in the Registry but I am unable to locate it in order to attempt to change it. I would reformat if I had my original disks but have lost them along the way. I tried to contact Toshiba to see if I could get a copy but to no avail. Oh well, that is life. I want to thank everyone for their help.

[rgreen4]

Confirmed that the initial name entered in Windows is in the Registry. On my XP Home laptop, going into help found a Windows Knowledgebase article that describes changing the registry to change that name.Webroot's Window Washer would probably take care of everything else, but you would probably have to delete the users. Windows does warn that if you delete a user, or someone other that the user themselves changes a user password, that users files are not retrievable. (Some hacker somewhere probably has a package to do it).You could probably wipe the disc and reinstall XP using the Certificate number on the bottom of the laptop, but drivers might be a problem, depending on how old the laptop is. If you had access to an XP SP2 disc, and your laptop predated 2004, the drivers might be in XP SP2. Or you could just let the generic drivers load, hook up to the internet, and let the system look for better drivers.Moral of the stiuation - when you get you new laptop, put the DVD's in a safe place and make copies. If Toshiba is like HP, you will have to burn your own originals. Then make a set of copies. You can only burn one set. If your laptop has never had a CD burned from the orginal installation, you might still be able to do that, but it would take info from someone that knows Toshiba.

[AuroraDizon]

Try maybe a registry cleaner? Don't forget about the (sorry if its already been mentioned) the 'restore my computer to an earlier time'. I'm not sure if you can erase the save points I can only imagine that you should be able to.

[jmsfmtex]

Thank you for all you informative assistance. I have tried everything and still the original name shows up in places and in other places I am unable to delete or change it. I give up. I'll just keep the computer. It is a shame that manufacturers or Windows does not help in this area. Everything is so complicated.