How Do I Change the Computer Registered Owner in Windows XP?

During the installation of the Windows XP operating system, you are prompted to provide your name as the registered owner of the computer. If you have received a computer that was previously owned by someone else or you change your name, you can change the registered owner information. Microsoft provides a Fix It tool that automates the process. If you prefer to manually change the information, you can use the Registry Editor utility.

Instructions

Fix It Application

1. Open the Internet Explorer Web browser.

2. Navigate to the Microsoft Support Web page.

3. Click the "Microsoft Fix It" button under the "More Information" section of the Web page.

4. Click on the "Run" option in the dialog box that appears.

5. Type the new name in the "Registered Owner" text box, and click the "Next" button.

6. Click on the "Close" button when the fix is complete.

Registry Editor

1. Click on the "Start" button.

2. Click on the "Run" menu option.

3. Type "regedit" in the "Open" text box.

4. Click on the "+" symbol next to the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE" entry on the left side of the screen.

5. Click on the "+" symbol next to the "SOFTWARE" entry.

6. Click on the "+" symbol next to the "Microsoft" entry.

7. Click on the "+" symbol next to the "Windows NT" entry.

8. Click on the "Current Version" entry.

9. Double-click on the "RegisteredOwner" option on the right side of the screen.

10. Type the new name in the "Value Data" text box, and click the "OK" button.

11. Close the Registry Editor utility.

References

• Microsoft Support: How to Change Name and Company Information After You Install Windows XP