-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
-
×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
Windows 11 Support Center. -
- HP Community
- Desktops
- Desktop Operating Systems and Recovery
- Re: Will system recovery clean up User Folder names

Create an account on the HP Community to personalize your profile and ask a question
03-01-2018 10:46 AM - edited 03-01-2018 10:48 AM
During intial setup, I used My Microsoft login name rather than the new user. I want to start the whole process over. I have only installed the updates and a couple of applications so it's not a problem to start over.
If I use the System Recovery, will it wipe 'clean' the user folder so I can have the owner of the PC in the user folder ?
I found that I can create a user login ... but the original Microsoft setup name is still there and all downloads go into that 'user' folder, and not the folder of the local login name.
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
03-01-2018 10:59 AM
Hi @Pat-D1
Welcome to the HP Support forum!
Straight to the answer -> YES, the system recovery (full wipe with clearing everything option) will definitely clear everything and the PC will be just like new. Here is how to complete it >> http://hp.dezide.com/ts/start.jsp?guide=HPSystemRecovery.net§ion=ccweb&sfs=tdoc&lc=en&language=e...
However, if you want to save time, you can delete the existing user and create a new one.
1. Create a new user account (local account, not a Microsoft one) -> Go to Start -> Settings -> Accounts -> here are details >>> https://www.howtogeek.com/226540/how-to-create-a-new-local-user-account-in-windows-10/
2. Click on Start button. Type Command Prompt and start it
2.1 Type logoff and hit ENTER
3. Login to the newly created account while on the Login screen - here is how >> https://www.digitalcitizen.life/how-switch-between-user-accounts-windows-10
4. Once you login to the new account, go to Start -> Settings -> Accounts
4.1 Delete the old account you want to remove >> https://www.onmsft.com/news/delete-user-accounts
4.2 More info >> https://www.howtogeek.com/227763/how-to-completely-delete-your-microsoft-account/
5. Go to Windows Explorer (My Computer) , then Local Disk C:\ -> Users
Manually delete the old account folder (not the new one)
Hope this helps ! Let me know if this works for you.
*** HP employee *** I express personal opinion only *** Joined the Community in 2013
03-01-2018 10:59 AM
Hi @Pat-D1
Welcome to the HP Support forum!
Straight to the answer -> YES, the system recovery (full wipe with clearing everything option) will definitely clear everything and the PC will be just like new. Here is how to complete it >> http://hp.dezide.com/ts/start.jsp?guide=HPSystemRecovery.net§ion=ccweb&sfs=tdoc&lc=en&language=e...
However, if you want to save time, you can delete the existing user and create a new one.
1. Create a new user account (local account, not a Microsoft one) -> Go to Start -> Settings -> Accounts -> here are details >>> https://www.howtogeek.com/226540/how-to-create-a-new-local-user-account-in-windows-10/
2. Click on Start button. Type Command Prompt and start it
2.1 Type logoff and hit ENTER
3. Login to the newly created account while on the Login screen - here is how >> https://www.digitalcitizen.life/how-switch-between-user-accounts-windows-10
4. Once you login to the new account, go to Start -> Settings -> Accounts
4.1 Delete the old account you want to remove >> https://www.onmsft.com/news/delete-user-accounts
4.2 More info >> https://www.howtogeek.com/227763/how-to-completely-delete-your-microsoft-account/
5. Go to Windows Explorer (My Computer) , then Local Disk C:\ -> Users
Manually delete the old account folder (not the new one)
Hope this helps ! Let me know if this works for you.
*** HP employee *** I express personal opinion only *** Joined the Community in 2013
03-01-2018 11:18 AM
Thank you for the quick reply.
I decided to do the System Reset to have a clean install. I had forgotten when I did my Win10 Laptop that it took the Microsoft login as the user name.
I felt it was easier since this install started yesterday and I wasn't in too far on the install of applications.
Again, I do apprecaite the quick reply.
Regards,
Pat D.
03-01-2018 01:26 PM
You are welcome @Pat-D1
Thank you for your update.
Did you completed it ? Is it resolved now ?
*** HP employee *** I express personal opinion only *** Joined the Community in 2013
03-01-2018 01:41 PM
Yes, the System Recovery worked as designed.
I'm up and running with the same applications I installed yesterday and the user folder is what I want it to be.
Now working on installing the rest of them.
Thanks again.
Best Regards,
Pat D.