computer name and user name do not reflect new employee
I have several computers that were used by employees that are no longer at our company. A few new employees inherited these computers and are using the computer and username of the employee that left. What would be the easiest way to edit the computer names or usernames so it would reflect the new user without disrupting how everything looks and functions? Create a new username or computer and copy the settings from the old user or computer to the new one? How would you do this?
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John
Separately we do not name computers for employees, but you can change the computer name and restart. We do not generally change computer names.
ASKER
Are there certain steps I would need to take to backup the windows profile correctly?
ASKER
I should of said what are the steps
Steps to back up a profile:
Log into an Admin Account, open Windows Explorer, Users and then select the profile, right click on it , copy and then paste to another device.
Control Panel, Advanced System Settings, Advanced Tab, User Profiles, and delete the old profile.
Log into an Admin Account, open Windows Explorer, Users and then select the profile, right click on it , copy and then paste to another device.
Control Panel, Advanced System Settings, Advanced Tab, User Profiles, and delete the old profile.
ASKER
OK. I will do that. When it is done and I create the new user what are the steps to restore it so it looks the same as before?
Am I correct that I don't have to do anything with the computer name?
Am I correct that I don't have to do anything with the computer name?
ASKER
Will the user's docs and desktop icons be put back in the same place?
For your second question, copy the old user docs to a neutral spot and then recover these docs into the new profile. This will not be automatic.
And then, no, desktop icons will all be new, as they should be.
And then, no, desktop icons will all be new, as they should be.
Not really an answer to your question, but best practice is not to change computer names, as there should not be any need to it.
Also, best practice is not to reuse a username from a former employee, unless it is absolutely necessary.
Docs and Icons can be copied, or put into a public accessible folder.
Settings should be controlled via GP on AD DS joined pc, or you can copy the user profile (in the advanced system properties) to the new user. https://kb.iu.edu/d/aidk
Also, best practice is not to reuse a username from a former employee, unless it is absolutely necessary.
Docs and Icons can be copied, or put into a public accessible folder.
Settings should be controlled via GP on AD DS joined pc, or you can copy the user profile (in the advanced system properties) to the new user. https://kb.iu.edu/d/aidk
In my opinion, computers should be named after function, not person. HR1, HR2, ACCOUNTING1, ACCOUNTING2, SALES1, SALES2, etc.
If you name them after people, make sure they don't match the user name (username = jsmith, computer name = jsmith IS BAD!!! Computer name of jsmithpc is ok though).
If you continue to use usernames as part of the computer name, then reload the machine when a user leaves, creating a VHD backup beforehand so you have a full copy of everything that was on the system.
No one should ever inherit a user name. ALWAYS create new user accounts. Licensing is based on the HUMAN BEING, NOT User Account.
I would disable the existing accounts and create new ones for the new users. Then if they need access to the old files, move them over.
If you name them after people, make sure they don't match the user name (username = jsmith, computer name = jsmith IS BAD!!! Computer name of jsmithpc is ok though).
If you continue to use usernames as part of the computer name, then reload the machine when a user leaves, creating a VHD backup beforehand so you have a full copy of everything that was on the system.
No one should ever inherit a user name. ALWAYS create new user accounts. Licensing is based on the HUMAN BEING, NOT User Account.
I would disable the existing accounts and create new ones for the new users. Then if they need access to the old files, move them over.
@mkramer777 - Thank you and I was happy to help.