Microsoft KB Archive/272409

= MSN Password and Member ID Requirements for MSN Companion =

PSS ID Number: 272409

Article Last Modified on 5/12/2003

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The information in this article applies to:


 * MSN Companion 1.0

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This article was previously published under Q272409



SUMMARY
When you connect to MSN, The Microsoft Network, using the MSN Companion, you must have a Member ID and a password. This article describes the requirements for a valid Member ID and password.



Member ID
If you select a Member ID that is already in use, you are prompted for a different Member ID. Select your Member ID carefully, because after it is accepted, you are unable to change it. Your Member ID is also your e-mail address.

Requirements for a valid Member ID:
 * ** Must be from 3 to 39 characters long.
 * May be alphanumeric, and may contain any combination of uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers.
 * Can include hyphen (-) or underscore (_) characters, but cannot contain spaces.
 * Must not contain offensive language, or be harassing.
 * Must not blatantly misrepresent MSN.

Password
Your password, in conjunction with your Member ID, is required to log on to MSN. It is important to keep your password secret to prevent others from using your account.

Requirements for a valid password:
 * ** The password must be from 8 to 16 characters long.
 * The password may be alphanumeric, and may contain any combination of uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers.
 * The password can include hyphen (-) or underscore (_) characters, but cannot contain spaces.
 * The password must not be the same as your Member ID.

To make your password more secure:
 * ** Using a combination of letters and numbers.
 * Not using names, addresses, birth dates, social security numbers, phone numbers, or other things that someone could easily guess.

Additional query words: kbimu; msn account; password; web companion; member ID

Keywords: kbhowto kbinfo KB272409

Technology: _IKkbbogus kbMSNCompanion kbMSNSearch

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