Messenger and other webpages passwords

[Plastic Nev]

Although on the issue of passwords in general, it is not usually something that advice can be given on, (for various reasons, see rule 5) I feel some general knowledge may be helpful with regard to web based activities that require passwords for access.

As a for instance, a question was asked about Windows live messenger.

 

As far as I am aware, all information such as contact lists, E mail and other documents, are stored on the MSN or Windows live servers, none of which is ever downloaded to your own machine unless you do so deliberately by copy and paste or other means. Therefore if you lose or forget your Windows live or MSN password, and have also lost your other details such as user name or hotmail address, it is lost for good.

However if only your password is lost all you need do is click the "Forgot your password?" on the sign in box, then make sure your other details are entered correctly, a new password will be issued.

The "Forgotten password" option is true for a lot of other web based applications, most notably forums, such as this one, and many others. Providing you do still know your other details such as user name E mail address etc, then all it takes is a click of the mouse on the "Forgotten your password?" option, just follow the instructions given, and quite often a replacement password will be issued fairly soon.

As is also the case, these passwords can usually then be altered to something you may be more familiar with, once you have used the new password to gain your access.

[RandyL]

Very good Nev. You put it plainly which I like.

 

Unfortunately for some people they no longer have the original email address for one reason or another. Sometimes it's because of an isp change or perhaps even an account being deactivated due to no activity. So keep those sites current with a current email address.

 

I would like to add one more suggestion to yours. Make a master text file of all accounts, user id's, passwords, secret questions and answers etc. Keep it updated and back it up.

 

Which reminds me, I need to update, consolidate and backup my passwords etc.