Frequently Asked Questions   Passwords
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Passwords

Q: What should I do if I have forgotten my password?
A: When you enter an invalid password to sign on, Instant Messenger displays an error message, asking you if you forgot your password. In the error message window, click Forgot Password. After your browser opens to the Forgot Password Web Site, enter your screen name, and click Submit.

Your password is sent to you through e-mail. However, if you did not confirm your e-mail address by responding to the confirmation e-mail you received when you registered for Instant Messenger (or if you provided an invalid e-mail address), you will not be able to use this Lost Password feature. In this case, you must register another screen name by choosing on the Sign On screen, and then clicking Sign On. Therefore, if you are planning to change your e-mail address, update your new address in Instant Messenger before you delete the old e-mail account.

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Q: Can you reset my password if I forget it?
A: No, your password cannot be reset. However, your password can be sent to you through e-mail. Click Forgot Password when the password error message window is displayed after entering an incorrect password.

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Q: Can I change my password once I'm signed on to Instant Messenger?
A: Yes, you can change your password while you are signed on to Instant Messenger.

Windows: Click the File menu, select My Options, and select Change Password.

Macintosh: Select the Edit menu, and then select Account Options -> Password.

(Instant Messenger users who are also AOL users can change their Instant Messenger passwords through AOL by going to Keyword: AIMPassword.)

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Q: Why isn't my password working?
A: Unlike AOL, your Instant Messenger password is case-sensitive. That means that correct capitalization is necessary. Make sure that the Caps Lock key is not on.

Also, if you share a screen name on both Instant Messenger and AOL, changing the password on AOL does not change it on Instant Messenger, and vice-versa.

You can have your password sent to your e-mail address by submitting your screen name at the following Web page: http://www.aol.com/aim/password.adp

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Q: Why does Instant Messenger display the error message, "Wrong username or password," when I try to sign on to AOL Quick Buddy™ even though I typed the correct username and password?
A: This error message can be caused by trying to sign on to AOL Quick Buddy™ from behind a firewall. Computer networks in office buildings and schools are usually behind firewalls to prevent certain data from passing through their networks.

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