Q: What can I do if the screen name I want is already taken?
A: If the screen name you want is already taken, try variations of that name, or select another. You can use up to 16 letters, numbers, and spaces for your screen name. For example, if the screen name you want is "Hearty", try using "Heart101," "NYC Heart," etc.

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Q: How do I use multiple screen names with my existing copy of Instant Messenger?
A: Type your new screen name over the current screen name that is displayed in the Screen Name field on the Sign On window.

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Q: How can I change my screen name?
A: If you don't like your current screen name, you can either change the formatting (capitalization and spacing) of your screen name, or you can register a new one.

To format your screen name on Windows, select the File menu, select My Options, and select Format Screen Name.

On the Macintosh, select the Edit menu, and then select Account Options -> Screen Name Format.

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Q: Can I delete one of my old Instant Messenger screen names?
A: No, you cannot delete old Instant Messenger screen names at this time. However, you can prevent other users from finding one of your screen names by performing the following steps:

Windows: Select the File menu, click My Options, and then click Edit Preferences. After the window appears, click the Controls tab, and click Nothing about me.

Macintosh: Select the Edit menu, and click Preferences. After the window appears, click the Controls tab, and click Nothing about me.

You can also go into the Profile wizard (File menu on Windows; People menu on Mac), and remove any information from your profile that would lead other users to find your screen name.

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Q: How do I remove screen names from the Sign On screen?
A: Windows: Select the screen name on the Sign On screen, and press the Delete key. If the screen name is still not deleted, upgrade to the latest version of Instant Messenger.

Macintosh: At the bottom of the Screen Name drop-down list on the Sign On screen, choose the "Remove" option. If you don't have this option, then upgrade to the latest version of Instant Messenger.

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Q: How do I delete screen names from the drop-down list in the Instant Message window or from the Info window?
A: Windows: Highlight the screen name, and press the Delete key. If the screen name is still not deleted, upgrade to the latest version of Instant Messenger.

Macintosh: Quit Instant Messenger, and delete the following file: "System Folder:Preferences:AOL Instant Messenger:Users:Instant Messenger Prefs." (This action also loses most of your preferences and any saved passwords.)

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Q: Why do I get an error message, indicating one of the names is invalid, when I try to go from the List Setup tab to the Online tab?
A: The highlighted screen name contains invalid characters. After you click OK to delete the error message, Instant Messenger highlights the invalid screen name. Delete or edit the screen name, and click the Online tab.

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Q: Do my screen names and Buddy List transfer to any new copy of Instant Messenger that I install on the same computer?
A: Yes, installing a new copy of Instant Messenger on the same computer will retain the Buddy List and preferences for all of your screen names that you have been using on that computer.