I've been using the root account as my everyday desktop account for several months. During that time I customized the desktop, downloaded wallpapers and music, changed settings, and wrote scripts. I now want to switch to a normal user so applications cannot automatically run with full system privileges, but I don't remember where everything was saved. Is there a safe way to transfer the root account's personal files and configuration to a new user without granting that account root access?
2 Answers
The safest long-term approach is to create the regular account, copy over only the personal data and configuration you actually need, and recreate scripts or application settings as necessary. Copying all of /root can work, but it may bring along root-owned files, unsuitable permissions, cached data, or configurations that behave incorrectly for a normal user. You’ll probably need some cleanup, but the new account should remain a regular user and use sudo only for individual administrative tasks.
Most desktop preferences and personal files are stored in the root account’s home directory, usually /root, including hidden files and directories. You can copy those items into the new account’s home directory, then change their ownership to the new user and group with commands such as chown -R newuser:newuser /home/newuser. Be prepared to fix a few settings manually, since some applications may store absolute paths, expect to run as root, or keep files elsewhere. Don’t copy system directories or grant the new account ownership of files that should remain protected.
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