How to change "short name" on OSX account

[MacGuy28]

I just picked up a used MAC G4 tower for a great deal.
It currently has OSX 10.3.9 if I'm not mistaken.

I was able to change the main name to my own name, and made a Admin password for everything, but under USERS it still shows the previous users "short name" on it.

I did a little research and found a HOW TO here, but it didnt really work for me, so I ended up removing the 2nd user account that I tried to make. When I got to the step to use "Terminal" and hit return it showed it couldnt do what it was trying to do. I got frustrated and gave up.

I was hoping one of you could help me with this, AND the fact that when I log in, instead of it showing JUST my image and name for my to put in my password, it shows another image titled "other users" even though there ARENT any other users.

Sorry I'm so ignorant to this stuff, but I don't have a OSX disk to reinstall under my own name

 

[skybolt]

First of all, you should never buy a used computer without the disks for restoring. I could be wrong, but I believe it is actually illegal to sell one without the disks. You should have them to completely reinstall the OS to its original state (actually, the seller should have done that for you to protect his/her data) and then you can start fresh. Can you ask the seller for them?

Having said that, go to VersionTracker and look for an app called ChangeShortName. That should do what you want.

 

[louishen]

For Tiger and previous

CHANGE SHORT NAME

For Leopard

Changing the short username in Leopard | Macworld

 

[MacGuy28]

For Tiger and previous

CHANGE SHORT NAME

For Leopard

Changing the short username in Leopard | Macworld

thank you! Is this fairly safe?
I see they have some major warnings on using it. Is it that risky?

 

[louishen]

The software is covered in some MacWorld articles so it should be OK

 

[bobtomay]

Wouldn't personally hesitate to give something a shot recommended by Dan Frakes.

There is a potential for not so good things happening when changing the short name though, make sure you read and understand the entire operation prior to starting.

 

[MacGuy28]

Wouldn't personally hesitate to give something a shot recommended by Dan Frakes.

There is a potential for not so good things happening when changing the short name though, make sure you read and understand the entire operation prior to starting.

I'll do that, but what things in particular are you referring to?

 

[D3v1L80Y]

I'll do that, but what things in particular are you referring to?

Everything is explained here:

Mac OS X: How to change user short name or home directory name

Mac OS X 10.3, 10.4 or later: Return to default desktop, apparent "loss" of home directory

 

[MacGuy28]

it worked great to change the short name, thanks!
But still I can't get the login window to just show MY name and picture like my old Mac did. Instead, it shows my name and picture, then underneath that is another picture with the title "other users"....but there ARE NO OTHER USERS. It's just me. I want it to show up with my name and icon only so I can login. Is there a way to do that? I don't see it in the login preferences