In Windows, how do I change the name of my computer?

Your computer's name is the unique name that identifies it on a network. UITS recommends that you use your Indiana University Network ID username to name your computer on the IU network.

Notes:

• For computers in campus housing, UITS recommends you enter either bl-rh-username (at IU Bloomington) or in-rh-username (at IUPUI), replacing username with your Network ID username. If you have more than one computer connected on campus, you can place a single-digit number after the username. For example, at IUB, if your username were dvader , your first computer name would be bl-rh-dvader and the second would be bl-rh-dvader2.
• For computer naming conventions in IU departments, see At IU, what naming conventions does UITS recommend for Windows computers and groups?

Windows Vista

To change your computer's name in Windows Vista:

1. Log into your computer with administrative rights.

   Note: At Indiana University, the University Information Security Office (UISO) recommends that you normally refrain from running your Windows computer as an administrator. For more, see What is the principle of least privilege?

2. From the Start menu, open the Control Panel, and then double-click the System icon. (If you don't see the System icon, switch to Classic View in the upper left of the window.)
   
   
3. In the System window that appears, in the lower-middle right of the window, click Change settings. In the dialog box that appears, click Continue.
   
   
4. A new panel will open. Click Change... . You will see your computer's name listed.
   
   
5. In the space marked "Computer Name:", delete what is there and type the name you want to give your computer.
   
   
6. Click OK, then OK again, and then close the System window.

Windows XP

To change your computer's name in Windows XP:

1. Log into your computer with administrative rights.

   Note: At Indiana University, the University Information Security Office (UISO) recommends that you normally refrain from running your Windows computer as an administrator. For more, see What is the principle of least privilege?

2. From the Start menu, open the Control Panel, and then double-click the System icon. Alternatively, right-click the My Computer icon, and from the menu that appears, select Properties.
   
   
3. You will see the System Properties window. At the top of the window, click the Computer Name tab.
   
   
4. Click Change... . You will see your computer's name listed.
   
   
5. In the space marked "Computer Name:", delete what is there and type the name you want to give your computer. Click OK.

Windows 2000

To change your computer's name in Windows 2000:

1. Log into your computer with administrative rights.

   Note: At Indiana University, the University Information Security Office (UISO) recommends that you normally refrain from running your Windows computer as an administrator. For more, see What is the principle of least privilege?

2. Right-click the My Computer icon. From the menu that appears, select Properties.
   
   
3. You will see the System Properties window. At the top of the window, click the Network Identification tab.
   
   
4. You will see your computer's name listed. Click Properties.
   
   
5. In the space marked "Computer Name:", delete what is there and type the name you want to give your computer. Click OK.

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