Microsoft KB Archive/173999

= Microsoft Knowledge Base =

MSN Password and Member ID Requirements
Last reviewed: September 17, 1997

Article ID: Q173999

The information in this article applies to:


 * The Microsoft Network, versions 1.0, 1.05, 1.2, 1.3, 2.0, 2.5

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

MORE INFORMATION
The requirements for a valid Member ID are:


 * The Member ID must be from 3 to 39 characters long.
 * The Member ID may be alphanumeric, and may contain any combination of uppercase and lowercase letters and numbers.
 * The Member ID can include hyphen (-) or underscore (_) characters, but cannot contain spaces.
 * The Member ID must not contain offensive language, or be harassing.
 * The Member ID must not blatantly misrepresent MSN, The Microsoft Network.

The requirements for a valid password are:


 * 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.

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.

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. You can make your password more secure by:


 * Using a combination of letters and numbers.
 * Not using names, addresses, birthdates, social security numbers, phone numbers, or other things that someone could easily guess.

For additional information about common account questions, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

ARTICLE-ID: Q153806 TITLE    : FastTips: Accounts and Billing Questions & Answers