Communicator Help: Using AOL<sup><font size=-2>®</font></sup> Communicator Identity Manager

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Using AOL Communicator Identity Manager

Password Settings & Preferences

Manage Master Password
Set Master Password
Change Master Password
Turn Off Master Password
Change Device Password

Master Password Request
Mail Server Password Request
AOL Password Request
Private Key Password Request
SecurID Password Request
Password Management Preferences

Related topic:

Managing Passwords

Manage Master Password

If you're not already viewing the Manage Master Password window, open the Tools menu in AOL Communicator Mail and choose Manage Master Password.

Depending on whether your Master Password is currently set, you can perform these actions:

- Set Password: If your Master Password isn't currently set, this is the only button available. Click it to define and turn on your Master Password
- Change Password: If your Master Password is currently set, click this button to change it.
- Turn Off Password: Click this button to turn off your Master Password.

Related topics:

Controlling Your Passwords
What to Do If You Forget Your Master Password
HOW IT WORKS: Passwords & Local Mail

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Set Master Password

If you're not already viewing the Set Master Password window, open the Tools menu in AOL Communicator Mail, choose Manage Master Password, and click Set Password.

- Enter new password: Type your new password here. Check the password quality meter as you type.
  Passwords that can be easily guessed have little value. The password quality meter gives you a rough idea of the relative quality of your password as you type it based on factors such as length and the use of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  For more information, see Using the Password Quality Meter.
- Confirm new password: Type your new password again. You must type it exactly as you did the first time.
- Password hint: Type a word or phrase that only you can associate with your Master Password.

Related topics:

Turn Off Master Password
HOW IT WORKS: Passwords & Local Mail

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Change Master Password

If you're not already viewing the Change Master Password window, open the Tools menu in AOL Communicator Mail, choose Manage Master Password, and click Change Password.

- Enter current password: Type the current password. If you can't remember it, you can't use AOL Communicator unless you reinstall it from scratch.
- Enter new password: Type your new password here. Check the password quality meter as you type.
  Passwords that can be easily guessed have little value. The password quality meter gives you a rough idea of the relative quality of your password as you type it based on factors such as length and the use of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  For more information, see Using the Password Quality Meter.
- Confirm new password: Type your new password again. You must type it exactly as you did the first time.
- Password hint: Type a word or phrase that only you can associate with your Master Password.

Related topics:

Controlling Your Passwords
What to Do If You Forget Your Master Password
HOW IT WORKS: Passwords & Local Mail

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Turn Off Master Password

If you're not already viewing the Turn Off Master Password window, open the Tools menu in AOL Communicator Mail, choose Manage Master Password, and click Turn Off Password.

Your Master Password prevents other people with access to your computer from using AOL Communicator. If you turn it off, anyone with access to your computer can use AOL Communicator to send and receive mail or log onto your Instant Messenger accounts.

You must enter the current Master Password before you can turn off your Master Password. If you can't remember it, the only alternative is to uninstall AOL Communicator, delete your user profile information, and reinstall the program.

Related topics:

Set Master Password
What to Do If You Forget Your Master Password

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Change Device Password

The Device Password protects external security devices such as smart cards. You normally don't need such as password unless you have such a device connected to your computer.

If you're not already viewing the Change Device Password window, follow these steps:

1. Click the Start Menu, choose Programs, then AOL Communicator, then Tools, then AOL Communicator Identity Manager.
2. Open the Edit menu and choose Security Preferences.
3. Click Password Management.
4. Click Change Password.

Provide the requested information:

- Security Device: Choose the security device whose password you want to change.
  The Software Security Device is the default security device provided by AOL Communicator. The password for the Software Security Device is identical to your Master Password.
- Enter current password: Type your current device password here.
- Enter new password: Type your new device password here. Check the password quality meter as you type.
  Passwords that can be easily guessed have little value. The password quality meter gives you a rough idea of the relative quality of your password as you type it based on factors such as length and the use of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  For more information, see Using the Password Quality Meter.
- Confirm new password: Type your new device password again. You must type it exactly as you did the first time.

Related topics:

Change Master Password

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Master Password Request

Your Master Password prevents other people with access to your computer from launching AOL Communicator.

If you have previously set your Master Password, the Sign On to AOL Communicator window appears when you first launch AOL Communicator.

To use the program, you must enter your Master Password and click Sign On.

When you first set your master Password, you can also set a hint to help you remember it. If you can't remember your password, click the link that says "Need a password hint?" to see the hint you specified, if any.

Related topics:

Turn Off Master Password
What to Do If You Forget Your Master Password

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Mail Server Password Request

Depending on your password settings, AOL Communicator Mail may request a mail server password to verify your identity when it collects or sends your e-mail messages.

Because Instant Messenger for AOL Communicator tracks the status of e-mail from your buddies, you may also be asked for one or more mail server passwords when you first sign on.

The password request window includes the following information:

- Mail Account: The name of this account as it appears in the list of accounts on the left side of the main Mail window.
- Username: The name shown here is the user name assigned by your ISP for use with the server whose host name is shown in parentheses.
- Password: Type the password for the user name and server shown above.
  If you're not sure what the password for this user name and server is, ask your ISP or system administrator.
- Remember Password: Select this option if you want AOL Communicator Mail to remember the password for this screen name, so you don't have to type it every time you launch AOL Communicator.
  Note: If you select the Remember Password option, other people with physical access to your computer may be able to access your account.
- Password quality: Check the password quality meter as you type.
  Passwords that can be easily guessed have little value. The password quality meter gives you a rough idea of the relative quality of your password as you type it based on factors such as length and the use of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Related topics:

Using the Password Quality Meter
Controlling Your Passwords

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AOL Password Request

Depending on your password settings, AOL Communicator Mail may request your AOL password to verify your identity when it collects or sends e-mail messages from your AOL account.

Because Instant Messenger for AOL Communicator tracks the status of e-mail from your buddies, you may also be asked for your AOL password when you first sign on.

The password request window includes the following information:

- Mail Account: The name of this account as it appears in the list of accounts on the left side of the main Mail window.
- Username: For an AOL account, the name shown here is your screen name.
- Password: Type the password for the user name (screen name) shown above.
  Each AOL screen name has its own password. If you're not sure what the password for your screen name is, you can reset it by contacting AOL Customer Service.
- Remember Password: Select this option if you want AOL Communicator Mail to remember the password for this screen name, so you don't have to type it every time you launch AOL Communicator.
  Note: If you select the Remember Password option, other people with physical access to your computer may be able to access your AOL account.
- Password quality: Check the password quality meter as you type.
  Passwords that can be easily guessed have little value. The password quality meter gives you a rough idea of the relative quality of your password as you type it based on factors such as length and the use of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Related topics:

Using the Password Quality Meter
Controlling Your Passwords
Contacting AOL Customer Service

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Private Key Password Request

The Private Key Password (also known as the Device Password) protects external security devices such as smart cards. You normally don't need this password unless you have a security device connected to your computer.

In general, you won't see this password request unless you have a smart card or similar device connected to your computer. Different smart cards have different passwords. You must provide the password associated with the smart card that is currently connected to your computer.

Related topics:

Change Device Password

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SecurID Password Request

A SecurID card generates passwords at regular intervals. Many organizations use these cards to provide extra security—or example, for employee e-mail accounts.

When you are asked for a SecurID password, you must enter the number currently displayed on your own SecurID card.

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Password Management Preferences

The Password Management preferences panel allows you to change the password that protects a security device, such as a smart card, that is currently connected to your computer.

If you are not already viewing your Password Management preferences, open the Edit menu in Identity Manager, choose Security Preferences, and click Password Management.

Change Password. Click this button to change the password for a security device, such as a smart card, that is currently connected to your computer.

Related topics:

Change Device Password

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The sections in this document that discuss security, encryption, and privacy are provided by AOL for your information only. They may help you take certain steps to protect the privacy and security of your personal information on the Internet. This document does not, however, address all online privacy and security issues, nor does it represent a recommendation by AOL about what constitutes adequate privacy and security protection on the Internet.

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Last Updated September 16, 2003