How to Change Your AIM Password

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AOL Instant Messenger lets you communicate with other AIM users across the Internet. Changing your password regularly is an important part of keeping your account and computer secure. Combined with regular software updates, periodic password changes ensure that others don't gain access to your AIM account. A best practice is to change your password every three to six months. Changing your password in the AIM program only takes a few moments.

Things You'll Need

• Internet
• Computer
• an AIM account

Instructions

1. Open AIM using the "Start" menu or its shortcut. Sign in if you don't have auto-login enabled.

2. Click the "Options" menu at the top of the window. In previous versions, this is labeled "Menu." Click the "Settings" option.

3. Click the "Sign In / Sign Out" tab on the left side of the settings window. Click the "Change My Password" button at the bottom of the window. Enter the answer to your security question. Click "Continue."

4. Click "Change Password." Enter your new password twice to confirm it. Click "Save" to save your changes.

Tips & Warnings

• give yourself time. It can be quick for some people but may take forever for others (especially if the AIM account is really old).

• Don't keep re-trying too much in a short amount of time. Failure to respond by the system and your repeated efforts will cause you to be locked out. In which case you'll have the chance to try again 24 hours later.

References

• AOL: How do I Change My AIM Password?