How the heck do I change my username or password on my computer?

I have had many contact me over the years on how to change their passwords and or user names on their PC or Laptop.

I realized that these people that called me for this were not incapable of learning on their own and getting it done but were afraid of messing up their system.

So, we took some time and came up with simple instructions on how to change your user name and password on Microsoft based OS's and some other ones as well.

Here it is:

Windows 95, 98, and ME( because we still love the oldies but goodies)

Change password

To change your password or password settings in Windows 95, 98, or ME, follow the below steps.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Passwords icon.
3. In the Password Properties window, click the Change Windows Password button.

Note: The Windows password can also be changed through the Users icon in Control Panel.

Change username

You can change the user settings in Windows 95/98 through the Users icon in Control Panel. However, this does not allow you to change the actual username. If you need to change the username, we suggest you create a copy of your existing username and use the new user name. Below are the steps to do this.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Users icon.
3. Highlight the user you wish to make a copy of and click the Make a copy button.
4. Follow the wizard in creating a new user account.

Windows 2000 (personally not one of my favorites. Or ME)

Change password

Microsoft Windows 2000 users can simply change their username by pressing CTRL + ALT + DEL while in Windows to open the Windows Security window. From this window click the "Change Password"button.

Enter your old password and the new password you wish to use.

Change username

In order to change the username of an account on Windows XP you will need to have an account with Administrator rights. If you're logged in as Administrator or have an account with Administrator rights, follow the below steps.

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Users and Password icon.
3. Make sure "Users must enter a user and password to use this computer" is checked.
4. Highlight the account you wish to change the username for and click the Properties button.
5. Within the Properties you'll be able to change the User name.

Windows XP (The Best OS ever made)

Change password

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Users Accounts icon.
3. Select the account you wish to change.
4. Select the option "Change my name" to change your username or "Create a password" or "Change my password" to change your password.

Note: Windows XP Home users can only change the Administrator password through Safe Mode.

Change username

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Users Accounts icon.
3. Select the account you wish to change.
4. Click "Change My Name"
5. Enter the new name you wish to use and click the Change Name button.

Vista and Windows 7 instructions to come soon.

Linux / Unix and most variants

Change password

Almost all Linux / Unix and variants have access to the passwd command. Enter this command at the prompt to change your password. You'll need to know the current password before being able to change the password to a new password.

See our passwd command page for additional information about this command.

Change username

In order to change the username you will need to have root or super-user access.

To change the username of an account, use the vipw command. See our vipw command page for additional information about this command.

To change the user settings, use the chfn command. See our chfn command page for additional information about this command.

BIOS passwords

Change password

The system password (password you see when first turning on the computer) as well as the BIOS password (password you see when entering the BIOS) are both changed through the BIOS.

Additional information about how to enter the BIOS can be found on document CH000192.

Change username

A computer BIOS does not have a username.

Internet username and passwords

Changing your Internet username or password is really dependent on how your Internet Service Provider is setup and what their policy is for changing the username and password. Often, most ISPs will allow you to change your password whenever you need to; however, they will not allow you to change your account name.

Because every Internet Service Provider (ISP) and webhost is different, we suggest you contact the company for additional help with changing your username or password.

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