When I started using windows 7, I misspelled the user name I want to use. I was able to change that in the user's dialog box, but the user's folder is still shown with the incorrectly spelled name. The folder has a lock displayed and will not let me change the name even though I have administrator permissions for that folder. I tried changing ownership to my admin/user name but that doesn't help. How can I change the name of the folder?

I do not think you do that. I think you need to create a new user with the correct name.

It will take you a long time to change the user name, as you will need to take ownership of the folder (so you can rename it), search for registry and correct all related keys to the correct path.Thus it is recommended to create a new user and transfer files and settings to that account.

It's not really possible or recommended, it can cause huge problem. You can easily change the display name from the User Accounts in control panel, but the folder will keep the old name. The best recommendation is to create a new user account, then delete the old one. If this was helpful, please vote by clicking the green triangle. If it solves the issue, click Propose as Answer. Thanks!

You wouldn't have to re-install fully: just make a new account, drag-drop your files into the new one, and boom: done. It'd take at most about 5 minutes, and you'd be assured that it's secure, safe, and reliable. If this was helpful, please vote by clicking the green triangle. If it solves the issue, click Propose as Answer. Thanks!

I do not think you do that. I think you need to create a new user with the correct name. SOLVED!!! I did the same thing as poster. Sadly I have heard of stability issues when changing it and removing the previous, but this is the only way. If you already changed your user to the correct spelling you will first have to change that to something else first as it will say "already in use", then go to create new user and enter your desired name. Be sure to create the new user as an Administrator. Now you would go back to your users folder find each subfolder like pictures, documents etc... open the folder, highlight all files within click cut find your new user folder, and paste in there. If it says file exists already you can safely skip it. For anyone who simply entered wrong user name in original instillation to get you to where the poster is.. click start>control panel>users>change user name. accept SOLUTION: 3 pts (2 tedious parts.) PT 1)) a) the folders are in different locations so trying to copy all at once can't be done. Be sure to not copy the whole folder as if you paste that into your (ie:documents) folder, you will have a folder within a folder, effectively making you click an extra time by opening another folder every single time you open the original folder! b) some different versions of windows might give issues transferring and have an error message like "you do not have permission" etc... - you will have to either; i) write down that file (as there may be a bunch. lets hope for folders instead of single files) or files then, ii) don't choose any option, slide that message to the side and click back on the folder with the file(s) causing issues in the background. Find the folder on the error message then, c) Right click go to properties, security tab, edit button (not advanced button) check off, "full control" click okay twice, then try again. 2)) This is all assuming it's on same computer. If you are migrating from a networked computer, you will have to open your Network and ensure your file transfers are set to allow for all. (Highly suggest making your profile then taking off this option when finished). 3)) Go back to your control panel and users, manage, delete origional incorrect user. **Warning changing your origional instillation admin may cause unwanted or abnormal environment issues** HIGHLY recommend living with the incorrect name or fresh installing if you haven't transferred any files yet!

Same problem here. My question is WHY did Microsoft build the user folders so that they are locked and cannot be renamed? If I'm the admin on my PC, I should be able to make changes like this. Another frustrating Microsoft feature that makes no sense to me.

It's not a "feature", they didn't block you from changing it to annoy you. It's because because changing the path name would break nearly every program on your system. Just like if you were to rename any shell folder. The good news is that your folder can be called C:\Users\RandomFakeUserFolderName13579\ and your friendly display name could still be "Joe". You're never really going to see the folder name (it uses your display name in the shell). If you really absolutely must have it a particular way, then create it that way in the first place when you create your user account -- unless.. are you wanting to change this folder often for some reason? Shawn Keene