New "forgot password?" process for AIM accounts

[Jon8RFC]

I'm not sure when this went into effect, but it was fairly recently.
https://account.login.aol.com/opr/_c...r.psp?loginId=

Previously, you had to enter the email address that was tied to your AIM screen name; you now have two options to reset your password. The first is the same--enter in your email address; the second is entering in your birthdate, gender and zip code.

This is an excellent way for users to reclaim old accounts that are tied to an inaccessable email account. Give it a whirl, and you might get you favorite screen name back, even if it was stolen!

Thank you AOL, this change is much appreciated!

https://account.login.aol.com/opr/_c...r.psp?loginId=

[Tigerblade]

indeed... it's about time they realized that we don't necessarily keep the same email addresses for years and years. my very first screenname is linked to an account that's been dead for over three years now. i hope i dont have to completely remove AIM (ie, format my hdd), because i'll be losing that account.

the only thing keeping it active now is the fact that the password is saved in the login box.

[Jon8RFC]

Well, if you ever need to, you can just save the md5 hash of the password from the registry and put it back in when you reinstall AIM. Maybe you should go ahead and make a backup of it now just incase...send yourself an email or something.

[ezkim0x]

Originally Posted by Jon8RFC

Well, if you ever need to, you can just save the md5 hash of the password from the registry and put it back in when you reinstall AIM. Maybe you should go ahead and make a backup of it now just incase...send yourself an email or something.

what file in registery or whatever would you save to keep the sign on names/passwords you currently have on your computer saved.. for when you reformat.. and reinstall aim?

[Jon8RFC]

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\America Online\AOL Instant Messenger (TM)\CurrentVersion\Users\YOURscreenNAME\Login

right-click on the login folder and click export and save to a safe place. If you look to the right, you'll see the hashed password. Then to import it back in, just double click on the .reg file you saved.

[sdl32]

i go to the link above and now where i do i find the place where i can enter birthday and zip code and all that instead of receiving an email? cuz my old email doesn't exist anymore. this is getting frustrating!

[Jon8RFC]

It's only available for some screen names, for some reason. There aren't any other routes to take, sadly.

EDIT: check the stickies in this forum for more information