Windows Forum

Ask something
Discussion Locked

How do I change registered user?

0 helpful
7 replies

by ian boothby

Closed to new repliesThis discussion is closed. It stays readable, but it takes no new replies.
How do I change the registered user name that automatically appears on newly installed programs, and in System Properties. I bought this machine used, but don't want to do a clean install because the owner said it had never crashed once in 6 months!

7 replies

by thechas

Are you familier with regedit?

If not, proceed with caution, as it is possible to disable the computer with improper registry edits.

Open regedit, and search the registry for the old user name.
Edit the value for each key that has the old user name to what you want to use. (I use None Of)

This takes care of most instances, but will not take care of some programs that store the user name themselves (MS Office for 1)

Chas

by spidererrol

To change this you will need to edit the registry.
Run "regedit".
Find the key "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion"
Modify the entry "RegisteredOwner" (and "RegisteredCompany" if desired).
You should see the change instantly, if not you may need to reboot your machine.

You can also use regedit to search the registry for the original string to get other apps too. (Edit menu, Find).

MS like disclamer:
Modifing your registry incorrectly can prevent your machinefrom operating correctly or even booting at all. Change these settings at your own risk.

Also I have no idea what the licensing aspect of this is.

by spidererrol

Hmm, I'm sure I didn't type a space before the "n" in "CurrentVersion" above. It shouldn't be there!

This discussion is closed to new replies.