KnowledgeBase Archive

An Archive of Early Microsoft KnowledgeBase Articles

View on GitHub

Q173999: MSN Password and Member ID Requirements

Article: Q173999
Product(s): The Microsoft Network
Version(s): 1.2,1.3,2.0,2.5,2.51,2.52,2.6,5.0,5.1,5.2,5.3
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbmsn
Last Modified: 27-OCT-2000

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

- The Microsoft Network versions 1.2, 1.3, 2.0, 2.5, 2.51, 2.52, 2.6, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 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, birth dates, 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 <A0> Accounts and Billing Questions & Answers

Additional query words: msn kbimu

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbmsn 
Technology        : kbMSNSearch kbMSN520 kbMSN530 kbMSN510 kbMSN500 kbMSN200 kbMSN252 kbMSN130 kbMSN251 kbMSN260 kbMSN250 kbMSN120
Version           : :1.2,1.3,2.0,2.5,2.51,2.52,2.6,5.0,5.1,5.2,5.3
Issue type        : kbinfo

=============================================================================

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.