I am a total beginner with Linux so please forgive me for my absolute lack of knowledge!

A friend recently partitioned my hard drive then installed Suse 10 onto my Computer

The first time I used it, I noticed that my friend had used my first name as the username, except that he had spelt my name wrong. I immediately went looking for a way to change this and was successful until the next time I went to use Linux (quite a long time afterwards).

Note: My friend set the username as johnathan. I changed it to jonathan.

Now, Whenever I boot up and select Suse, the following message appears:

Authenticating johnathan

A critical error occurred
Please look at KDM's logfile(s) for more information or contact your system administrator

After acknowledging that message, the log-in screen appears. Then after I put in my password, the following message appears:

Could not start kstartupconfig.
Check your installation

I have searched the internet for others with this problem but with no success.

PLEASE HELP!

Hello,

KDE can not start, because it can not access your HOME directory.
If you changed your Username via Yast then Yast has also changed your Home-Directory.
To resolve this situation try the following

- When the login-screen appears press the "ALT STRG and F1" keys
- The Screen will go black and a lot of disturbing messages will appear.
- Now you must login as root
Linux will ask for a Username - Type: "root"
- Now you have to type the Password for the user root (if you don't know it ask your friend). While you type there will be no signs (stars) for your typing. Just type and press ENTER (the password is case-sensitive)
- Now enter "yast" goto security and users management (mybe you have to use the tab-key to activate the menu on the left side)
- Press the tab-key to enter the right side and choose "Users and Groups"
- Select your Username and press "ENTER"
- Use the tab-key until "details" is activated and press "Enter"
- Check the entry for HOME-directory and correct it.
- Confirm the Changes
- Press the "ALT-STRG F7" keys
- Try to login with your Usernamee

While working with yast you can also choose entries with the ALT-key and the appropriate highlighted letter.
" is only for separting. Don't enter it while typing.

HTH