How do I create a new screen name in AOL (America Online) 9.0?

Dave, I've read through your previous Q&A about how to create an AOL screen name, but it doesn't apply to the new AOL 9.0 Security Edition. Can you help me figure out how to add a screen name with this latest Windows application?

Dave's Answer:

You're absolutely right. In typical update fashion, the AOL development team have fiddled with what menus lead to what features and made it either easier or harder to find your overall AOL preferences, depending on how you look at it, making my article on How to create new screen names on AOL obsolete.

To get to the screen name feature in AOL 9.0, forget all the menu options and instead just click on Settings in the AOL toolbar:

Once you've clicked on that, you'll get a large list of different areas you can modify (really, it's a staggeringly large list, far more than any user, even the most dedicated AOLer, is going to modify. But that's another story entirely):

The option you want is Screen Names. Click on it and you'll be at the main screen names area, with options to CREATE a screen name, DELETE a screen name, format a screen name, restore a screen name, and even spawn a new account with one of the existing screen names if you're so inclined:

Needless to say, click on "Create a screen name" here and the first thing you'll see, something that is one reason I like AOL, is the following:

Other companies like Earthlink also have parental controls, but most ISPs just ignore the whole affair, making it darn hard for technically unsophisticated parents to help minimize the chance of their children bumping into the, um, less savory corners of the Internet.

Anyway, I'm going to assume you're setting up a new screen name for an adult, not a child, and click No on this screen.

The next step is the most fun: what screen name do you want to create? AOL has millions of users, though, so it's rare that you can get a cool screen name. It certainly seems like all the good ones are taken!

Amazingly, AskDaveTaylor is available. The next step is to enter a password, which is pretty easy to do. Remember, a mix of upper and lower case letters, a digit or two and even some punctuation can make a great password.

Next, even though I already said I was creating the screen name for an adult, AOL gives me a second chance to categorize what kind of default limits I want on the account. If you've never used America Online, you'll find this screenshot particularly interesting:

Finally, once you've decided what kind of account you want to create, you're done. Close up all the windows and log out. You should be able to log in with your brand new screen name!

Hope that helps you out with America Online. It might not be the snazziest, but with the addition of its automatic spyware checks, antivirus utility and pop-up blocker, it remains a surprisingly relevant alternative method of traveling on the Internet for a lot of people.

Additional helpful AOL tutorials:

• Get rid of AOL popup ads!
• How to delete an AOL screen name
• How to change your AOL account password
• How to cancel your AOL account

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Categorized: Computer and Internet Basics (Article 4187, Written by Dave Taylor)
Tagged: america online, aol
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Reader Comments To Date: 186

evelyn coon said, on September 16, 2005 6:36 PM:

I changed my screen name and get e-mail and can chat ect. with my new name but pop up i m and im's still say my old screen name why?

Terri said, on September 20, 2005 6:48 AM:

This info is fine and dandy and I already know this but since I'm using my mom's computer while mine is down I have no access to that part of AOL. WHY IS THAT?

Dave Taylor said, on September 20, 2005 4:36 PM:

Sounds like your Mom might not be using her Master Screen Name or might have a 'parental controls' account set up to avoid stumbling into porn or other yechy 'net stuff, Terri.

kiera said, on September 21, 2005 1:59 AM:

dave can you help me get a screenname?
i already now how i just dont now how to get there?

Kelley said, on September 22, 2005 7:30 PM:

I've read and read.....we had to delete 9.0 so ijust have the aol explorer. How do I delete screen names and make new ones from it. I am totally lost.

Thanks...Kelley Upton

KATHY said, on September 23, 2005 1:37 AM:

DAVE I WANT TO ADD MY SON ON BUT ITS MY MOM'S ACCOUNT. HELP

michael Ping said, on October 1, 2005 3:35 PM:

I am oly to use it to do my H.W., chating with friends, play games that i could play on. And I am allow to go music awards website.

sonali mendez said, on October 5, 2005 10:45 PM:

i really want a new screen name

Julio said, on October 7, 2005 11:22 PM:

how do i remove a screen name that i dont use in my aol pop-up screen? I only use one of the four names and the other names is from family members but they dont use this comnputer they get on from another computer. I just want my name to show when i sign on. Is there a way?

Dave Taylor said, on October 8, 2005 6:36 AM:

As far as I know, Julio, you can't accomplish what you ask: a master screen name and alternative names all travel as a "pack": if you set up one, you get all the others too.

barbara said, on November 3, 2005 5:33 PM:

i need a new screen names

Steve Jones said, on November 8, 2005 6:21 AM:

I was Wondering How to Delete Screen Names. I have some Screen Names in the Recovery Box that I don't wish to Use any more and I can't figure out how to Delete them from the Computer. if You would or Could help Me Please Do so? I Honestly thank You for Your Help. Steve

Brianna said, on November 15, 2005 2:40 AM:

Pleae help me i keep trying to get a new screen name but it never wants to work it always says unavailable

Aram j Hill said, on November 21, 2005 11:55 PM:

I was wondering if i could get my old Aim account up that i had under aol it was Airjxxiii.

karilyn said, on November 22, 2005 7:54 PM:

how do i get a scren name

Holly said, on December 2, 2005 2:30 AM:

i had a old screen name over 6 months ago, it was about 2 years ago and i really would like to have this name back. I can go on the screen name through aim but i cant restore this on aol. Is there anything i can do to restore it.

Sage Collins said, on December 6, 2005 9:53 PM:

i really want a screenname

Mackenzie said, on December 8, 2005 10:26 PM:

i have a question? i want to add another screen name to the account...but i dont know if it is free??? HELP! i cant find where it says it anywhere!!!!!!

thx! Mackenzie:)

KATRIN said, on December 9, 2005 10:23 PM:

where is the toolbar located on American Online 9.0

Adela said, on December 12, 2005 10:02 PM:

I have an aol screen name but i need to add it to my mothers account. Can I do this?

obaid said, on December 15, 2005 7:40 PM:

i won't to make a another screen name and still keep the other one

Peter Helt said, on December 27, 2005 8:31 AM:

I have another user name which already is setup and I want to access, but can't seem to figure out how to replace my current username.

Dave Taylor said, on December 27, 2005 11:18 AM:

You can add screen names to your AOL account (which is not the same as an AIM account, of course), but if you want to replace one with another, I think the best strategy is to completely remove AOL software from your computer and reinstall it by downloading a fresh new copy from http://www.aol.com/

allan said, on January 3, 2006 7:57 PM:

i got my original screen name; allnhss,,,,deleted cause i said something bad on another screen name to someone in a chat room.......allnhss screen name had nothing to do with it.......i had alot of info,,,stored in that screen name....it was wiped out,,,when AOL deleted all of my former screen names...is there anyway to get back screen name; allnhss ??

Dave Taylor said, on January 3, 2006 11:17 PM:

Allan, I think you're out of luck. Sorry.

Vicki Miles said, on January 4, 2006 7:03 PM:

I had a screen name a while ago. I would like to know is there a way to get the screen name back? It doesn't show in my deleted screen name box.

Thank You

virginia Gregg said, on January 5, 2006 5:07 PM:

I want to add a name to my AOL Account

carra said, on January 10, 2006 5:43 PM:

I have a screen name i created at my dads house but i want to add it too my moms house as the same screen name but on this different account so that i don't have to sign on as a guest. How can i do this?

Abe said, on January 16, 2006 1:33 PM:

I want to transfer my fiancee's existing Screen Name to my existing account, from her brothers account, which he says he wants to close. How do I do this without her having to change her screen name. We want her to continue to get her email at the same Screen Name but on my account... without having to notify her hundreds of friends of a screen name change.
Thanks,
Abe

Niraj said, on January 24, 2006 3:30 PM:

please tell me how do u make aol Email address without paying money or wothout putting bank account number please
tell pleas me right aways at niraj1991@aim.com
without paying money and with out puing bank account number and other personal information please
tell me

Dave Taylor said, on January 24, 2006 4:29 PM:

What makes you think you can get an account on a paid system without paying for it, Niraj? I don't know how you could do that, sorry.

holly said, on February 7, 2006 7:01 PM:

did everything you said to do as far as settings and all that is concerned but when i went to delete it , it said that the account couldn't be deleted with somehting registered to it and i have no clue what that could mean. I'd really like to know how what who and where this thing is so that i could get this name off my computer. thank you for your time

george a montgomery said, on February 13, 2006 9:38 AM:

How do I get an additional aol screenname?

bubble butt said, on February 18, 2006 2:06 PM:

hey, ur info was really helpful but..... they changed the place u go to and it does not look like the example you have and..... the ask you a question and if you answer it honestly they say that it is not what they have on file and.... if you keep answering it they will block you from it for 24 hours! it suxs

Mel said, on February 22, 2006 8:07 PM:

Hey...i want to drop my aol service and want to convert my current aol email address to an AIM email address for free. My screen name was created in AOL first but it is also an AIM sn, can i convert aol e-mail addresss to aim e-mail address?

Dave Taylor said, on February 23, 2006 12:20 AM:

Mel, I don't think you can do that, sorry to say.

Bubble, if you have a problem of that nature with your software, I suggest you contact AOL technical support directly, and good luck to you!

Ray said, on February 26, 2006 3:34 PM:

it wont let meh get an account.and i dont know what web site!do u know it?

Dave Taylor said, on February 26, 2006 8:37 PM:

If it won't let you get an account, Ray, it might be because of parental controls on your existing account.

charles james said, on March 9, 2006 5:44 PM:

Cant create screen name for my wife.

cassie said, on March 9, 2006 5:57 PM:

i have just got on aol and created a screen name. i cannot find a way to create one for my brother and sister who also use the computer. whenever i try it tells me i do not have an account security question (ASQ)and tells me to select one but there aren't any questions there. help me please

marleni said, on March 12, 2006 9:00 AM:

i want my son and my daughter to have their own screen name but i dont know how to get them one please help me?

marisa said, on March 19, 2006 8:52 AM:

i can't change my password1can you help me?

ninny said, on March 22, 2006 2:47 PM:

i dont know how to make a screen name because it wont work please help

-N said, on March 24, 2006 4:58 PM:

I have an AOL account; however the master screen name is on my moms computer, I want to add my master account it too my boyfriend's computer. He also has an AOL account too. How can I add my account to his computer and not delete his account and yet not have to sign on under guest? Can you please help with this situation?

JAMES LOVETT said, on April 2, 2006 10:08 PM:

I WANT TO CHANGE THIS SCREEN NAME BACK TO MY OLD ONE THAT I HAD WITH MY OTHER COMPUTER.

earnestine essex said, on April 13, 2006 1:40 PM:

how do i add a screen name for my child to sign on to aol

sarah said, on April 30, 2006 4:25 PM:

I have a question I go to keyword:screen names and I click on create but heres the problem nothing shows up! How can I fix this? i really need to create a new screen name.

Nancy said, on May 7, 2006 10:14 PM:

Every time I try to go to the new screen name bar,I get a blank screen. I cant even see my old names. What can I do? Nancy 5/7/06 12:10 AM.

judy day said, on May 13, 2006 11:12 AM:

every time i go to screen names to change a password, you, dave taylor shows up. i'm an aol subscriber & down loaded 9.0 myself for free.

J-Mort said, on May 18, 2006 7:25 PM:

I, too, am unable to set up a screen name. I followed you instructions to a "t" and still not able. When I click on the aol toolbar, subsequently on the settings selection, then Screen Names ... the response is "cannot find server" ... what do I do???? (very frustrating)

Lacey said, on May 20, 2006 9:49 PM:

Mel... When you cancle your AOL if you try to sign on again through AOL on the web, it will ask if you want to keep your exsiting screen name...that automaticly gives you an AIM e-mail address for that SN. Just make sure your not saying Yes to re-regestering to AOL.

N-....Only way I know to have both accounts show up would be to install AOL again, and keep both copys on the computer. You can name the links to the diffrent AOL versions so you can tell them apart if ya want. You still cant sign on both at the same time though.

cathy said, on May 24, 2006 12:15 AM:

my screen name settings page wont open...and i want to create a new screen name..
what do i do?

"frustrated"
Cathy

cathy said, on May 24, 2006 12:15 AM:

my screen name settings page wont open...and i want to create a new screen name..
what do i do?

"frustrated"
Cathy

Kim said, on June 2, 2006 6:53 PM:

My father in law and his wife are seperated. He pays the aol bill but she has the master account. Is there any way to remove her account while keeping the others active or will we have to call aol and have all of them deleted?

Meredith M said, on June 5, 2006 2:55 PM:

Dave I am trying to make a new screenname. Now I know that I'm able to because I've done it before, (I have 9.0), when I click on Screen Names in Settings, I get a page that says I need to enable cookies and javascript to use this function. I don't even know how to begin to do this so if you do, please let me know! Thanks.

tiffany said, on June 11, 2006 9:52 AM:

Every time I mouse cick on screen names in the settings section it brings me to a blank screen. I have tried over and over again and I am still unable to get anything, but a blank screen when I get to screen name. Please help me I would like to add a screen name to my existing account.
thnxs tiff

lindsey said, on June 13, 2006 1:40 PM:

HOW DO I GET MY DAUGHTER A SCREEN NAME

Cachanda said, on June 17, 2006 6:04 AM:

Every time I try to log on to add a screen name the page wont come up.

ally said, on June 24, 2006 7:04 PM:

how do i add a screen name for my child to go on @ol?

jennica said, on June 28, 2006 1:58 PM:

I want a screen name on aol.com and I dont know how to do it.So can you help me

evelyn said, on June 29, 2006 12:22 PM:

I have accessed the screen name box in the settings and it keeps coming up blank ... Not offering me the option to add or delete a screen name .. Is this a glitch with aol or what ? What can I do to access the screen name page ?

Ryan McCullough said, on July 13, 2006 2:27 PM:

I'm trying to added a another screen name to my account, and it keeps asking me for my securtiy answer which i don't remember and I tried getting the answer through the help line, but I don't know my account information because my bill is include in my phone bill. What can I do to get my security answer so I can creative a new name for my business.

Thanks
Ryan

Debbie said, on July 30, 2006 5:05 PM:

When I try to add a new screen name, it comes up with title "screen name service" but a blank screen - I can't create a new screen name. Thanks

luther said, on August 9, 2006 9:52 PM:

why did this pop-up change my screenname

Vanessa said, on August 10, 2006 11:24 AM:

i followed every step for 9.0 optimized sercutriy edition on how to create a screen name but after going to setting and clicking screen names first it looks diffrent then the window you posted plus when i click on create screen name it constantly says that i do now"We're sorry, we have temporarily blocked your access to this feature. Please try back after 24 hours; you will be challenged again to provide the correct answer to your Account Security Question" but i constanltly check week after week and its always the same.

michelle said, on August 14, 2006 5:22 AM:

I LOVE MY BABY

michelle said, on August 14, 2006 5:23 AM:

I LOVE MY BABY

michelle said, on August 14, 2006 5:25 AM:

I LOVE YOU

Joyce Robinson said, on August 14, 2006 12:11 PM:

trying to add a s/n and when we try to follow the directions it doesnt work!!!!!! we get a blank screen!!!!!!!

jeanne said, on August 16, 2006 7:23 AM:

hey dave,
i am currently a guest on a friends account. i would like to create a new account on my own computer with the same sn or a new sn and use the other as a guest on a new account. i have followed your instructions to others and just get a blank screen. i have tried to delete the guest account from my computer and reload the cd to create a new account,but my friends account keeps loading instead. can you help?

Tim said, on August 17, 2006 5:55 AM:

Now that AOL Free is rolling out, one thing a whole lotta people, including myself, wanna do, is transfer their AIM screen name to a new free AOL account. There doesn't seem to be a way to do this.. any ideas/tricks?

Samuel said, on August 25, 2006 8:28 AM:

I to have the new Free AOL thing, and I tried creating a new screen name following those instructions, but it didn't work. It said that "We're sorry. This feature is not available at this time." Does that mean that only paid AOL members can use this feature?

Angie said, on August 25, 2006 12:53 PM:

i tried to follow your directions on how to add a screen name but i came to dead in when i pressed on screen names after going to settings, the site always came up blank. no matter how i tried to do it, it came up to the same blank page. i even tried to go to my account and still it took me the the blank page. please help.

jess said, on August 27, 2006 11:02 AM:

hi my name is jess im tring to make a new screen name and it will not let me it keeps saying error please help find out whats wrong with my aol thank-you so much jess tried to follow your directions on how to add a screen name but i came to dead in when i pressed on screen names after going to settings, the site always came up blank. no matter how i tried to do it, it came up to the same blank page. i even tried to go to my account and still it took me the the blank page. please help.

miguel said, on September 1, 2006 10:12 AM:

i have done all of the above and still i get a blank screen when i go to the setting page i would like to create a new screen name please help... thank you.

zef said, on September 3, 2006 8:04 AM:

dave where its the toolbar on aol

Ray said, on September 3, 2006 4:58 PM:

I can't delete or decover any screen names and when i go to help i get screen name service

jamaica said, on September 5, 2006 6:55 PM:

dave im trying to create a new screen name on aol 9.0 i went to settings and clicked on screen names. I clicked on create and it keeps going to a blank page would you please help me

Maxine said, on September 13, 2006 12:09 AM:

Is it possable for two screen names to be on at the same time. The computers are in different locations. One has dial up and the other broadband.

Ken217 said, on September 13, 2006 5:04 PM:

I've seen this question, but not the answer. I want to transfer one of my additional screen names to another account. (My son had a screen name on my account, now he's moved out and is establishing his own AOL account, but wants to add his screen name from my account.) How do I do this? I see that if I delete it from my account, it is not available to him for 6 months. He has a large contact base on that screen name. Thanks,

Wednesday said, on September 17, 2006 6:14 PM:

I want to add a screen name, but when I try, i get the message: We're sorry, this feature is not available at this time.
How do I get passed this? I would appreciate the help. Thanks.

jacunta said, on September 29, 2006 10:41 PM:

how do i access an aol account

jenny said, on October 9, 2006 5:21 PM:

how do i create an other screen name

mar said, on October 14, 2006 8:54 AM:

every time i go to settings and clik screen names to create a new s.n it says.. Action canceled
Internet Explorer was unable to link to the Web page you requested. The page might be temporarily unavailable.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please try the following:

Click the Refresh button, or try again later.

If you have visited this page previously and you want to view what has been stored on your computer, click File, and then click Work Offline.

For information about offline browsing with Internet Explorer, click the Help menu, and then click Contents and Index.

Internet Explorer

i have been trying for weeeeekkkss!!!
please is there any other way?
HELLPPP!! MEE!!!

monica said, on October 16, 2006 5:12 PM:

will this let me get a password and a email

Rachel said, on October 30, 2006 5:37 PM:

hey dave
my computer asked me once if I wanted another s/n but it gives me a blank screen WHY?
rachel

kim said, on October 31, 2006 4:33 AM:

I tried to follow your steps to set up a new screen name..however..after clicking on create a screen name..this comes up..???en_Us.pgTitle.asq.asqblocked???. What do I need to do? I am the master screen name..

hope said, on November 5, 2006 9:33 PM:

all I need is a aol.screen name

Nicky said, on November 10, 2006 3:47 PM:

I have tried to open the window that you say will change your screen name and stuff but it always says page is loaded but it is blank there is nothing on it what do i do...

Tony M said, on November 21, 2006 11:10 AM:

David , My Girlfriend and I are getting a place together , and her AOL account is under her ex bf's account , but she also has an account setup on her computer but allows her mother to use that account , is there any way to transfer her account from her ex bf's account to her main account without having to lose anything , and if so could you be of assistance and help with giving me a few directions on the steps we need to take , I thankyou and appreciate that you took the time to read this , Greatful and Thanks You T.

Dave Taylor said, on November 21, 2006 11:16 AM:

The best I can recommend, Tony, is to give AOL a call directly and talk with their tech support people. Hopefully they can help you two!

bob said, on November 22, 2006 6:48 PM:

i have tried like a hundred times to make an aim sn. i already downloaded aim, but it won't let me make an sn!!! it keeps on saying: this page will be temporarily unavailable
or
we are unable to permit you to create a screen name at this moment

or something like that.
ive been trying for like 5 days.
please help!

EdAtkinson said, on November 23, 2006 1:03 PM:

I tried to set up my wife with a screen name, and was asked for place of birth for security. No matter what I put in, and I know where I was born, I didn't get it right. How do I set up a screen name for my wife? Please help.

BEVERLY PRENTISS said, on December 1, 2006 8:02 PM:

I am trying to add a screen name, but my security question - where I was born - keeps saying it's incorrect. I have tried every possible AOL phone number and have had no success. HELP!!!!

Dematrius said, on December 4, 2006 9:18 PM:

I have tried to add my children to my account but it continues to ask me for a credit card number which I do not have. Please help me.

heather gonzalez said, on December 11, 2006 6:43 PM:

every time i try to log on to create a new screen name the page wont come up..

catdog59 said, on December 22, 2006 8:08 PM:

i'm 59 and i just want another screen name and pass word

Zoe said, on December 25, 2006 4:51 PM:

I'm trying to make a new screen name but after I click "create" all I get is ???en_US.pgTitle.asq.asqblocked???

What should I do.

Thanks so much!

ron said, on December 25, 2006 7:47 PM:

Dave, No matter how many time i try with XP, IE or AOL 9.0 SE, I can't create another screen name. It goes to the screen, but after checking the type of category, it goes back to login or asking for security password and then is in a do loop between the two. Need help...

eric kali said, on January 4, 2007 10:48 PM:

I switched off the pay method and went 2 the free style . now its askin me for a credit card number but i pay by phone bill since i dont have one . how can i fix this other than payin 11.95 a month

thanks 4 ne info

ekali81

nick said, on January 10, 2007 1:44 PM:

is there anyway to add my wifes s/n from her moms account to my account?

bob said, on January 10, 2007 7:25 PM:

i have two screen names...is there a way to sign on both at the same time?

Chris said, on January 23, 2007 9:36 PM:

How do I get to billing. every time I try to go it brings me to a screen that says ???en_US.pgTitle.asq.asqblocked???
Is there another way I can get to the billing?

Dave said, on January 24, 2007 8:44 PM:

I have the same problem as "Chris at January 23, 2007 9:36 PM"

I can not get into keyword "my account" or "billing" I get..... ???en_US.pgTitle.asq.asqblocked???
I've tried AOL online Live support and they said they'll send to their "system administrator" so the problem could be fixed immediately. Also got plenty of "canned responses" into fixing it. None worked. Basically I set all internet explorer internet options to default and deleted all cookies, history, and temp files. I knew it wouldn't work. They got somekind of block and/bug so people can't cancel there AOL account without talking to a "live person" to try and talk you out of canceling. Thanks!

Andrew Collins said, on January 31, 2007 12:46 PM:

I want to restore an old screen name that has been taken out of my restore screen name window, is there any way i can retrieve it eventhough it was taken out due to 6 months of non-use?

Mike said, on February 8, 2007 3:51 PM:

Dave, is this spyware or a virus or something. When I go to create a new account I get this:

???en_US.pgTitle.asq.asqblocked???

It won't let me.

Mistie said, on February 10, 2007 12:41 AM:

how do i change my excisiting screen name a different account?

Person2 said, on February 11, 2007 8:56 AM:

I am trying to make a screen name on aim but everytime i do it says this service is not available please try again later. what id wrong?

Rumple4skin said, on February 15, 2007 1:46 PM:

If you want screen names from different accounts to show up in the drop-down list on the sign on screen, you can modify the SNMaster.idx file with any hex editor. The file is not located in the AOL install directory... it is in in the root drive's "Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\AOL\C_America Online\idb" folder. Or depending on where you installed AOL it may be slightly different. I don't know whether you can add more screen names than the maximum + Guest, but I was able to replace screen names I didn't use on one account with screen names from another account. The first time I selected it in the drop-down list it gives an error saying it can't find database/toolbar info for that screen name... but after you click OK it creates the necessary files for the screenname so you shouldn't get the error again. In the SNMaster.idx file each screenname appears twice, and I believe whatever the last used screenname was will appear three times. (Its been a while since I did it so I don't remember exactly.) You can replace the screennames you see but leave anything between screennames unchanged. If you need to, insert bytes for screennames longer than the one you're replacing. You may be able to add more screennames rather than just replacing, I just never tried it. This may have changed by now... but it should let you sign on using names from different accounts without signing on as Guest, which limits some features.

kelly sanstienrep said, on February 16, 2007 5:48 AM:

how do i get my child a screen name if i do not have mac? i only have windows i am not sure even what mac is!

shell said, on February 16, 2007 9:26 PM:

how do i edit my screen name ..so i can add color to it..

Sam said, on March 3, 2007 11:31 PM:

My AOL account got hacked, and they deleted my one of my accounts and now I cannot access the screen name feature - get a message we're sorry this feature is not available at this time. https://names.aol.com/system_error.adp?rid=265
Any ideas?

kim said, on March 6, 2007 9:11 AM:

how do I restore snmaster.idx file on my pc. Thanks

Carely said, on March 8, 2007 3:23 PM:

i want to know the same as the dave wants to too!

Ray said, on March 14, 2007 11:41 AM:

How can I add another screen name on AOL without it appearing on the screen name sign on list?

christie bickel said, on March 25, 2007 1:53 PM:

how do you create a screename for aol 9.0 ?

Sarah Mastay said, on March 30, 2007 7:35 AM:

the instructions you give for adding and deleting screen names is no longer correct. The old easy method is gone. Now AOL wants me to use a credit card number to add a screen name. All I want to do is delete one. What is wrong with AOL

Ellie said, on March 31, 2007 7:53 PM:

Hi dave i deleted a file that i need, its snmaster.idx database a message comes on telling me to restore the file, I don't know how to restore it, can you help me?

Ellie

Ps i don't know what URL is sorry

roxanne said, on April 4, 2007 2:57 PM:

how can i add another screen name on my account?

Dianne said, on April 13, 2007 4:59 AM:

How do I restore a screen name I had

dom said, on April 17, 2007 3:11 PM:

how do you make a screen name for people with 7.o intrenet

Pam said, on April 21, 2007 12:15 PM:

I have 3 screen names set up under the master, however I can only "switch screen names" when I am in the master. In order to switch back to the master or to another name, I have to log out, then back in. This just started a few weeks ago.

Another problem is that the "switch screen name" box is in Spanish. Can't figure out how to change that back to English.

Thanks.

Nicole Zerby said, on May 3, 2007 2:41 PM:

im trying to get my mother her own screen name, can u tell me how i can do that.

Stowie said, on May 5, 2007 2:31 PM:

I have a similar problem to that of Pam who posted on 4/21/07. My switch screen name box comes up in Spanish while everything else is in English. How do I change it back to English? And I am also unable to switch to other screen names while on and have to sign off and sign back on. How do I fix this?

ted said, on May 10, 2007 3:39 AM:

I have the same problem as Pam posted on 4/21 and Stowie on 5/5 - I can only change screen names one time , then I have to sign off - and all my change screen name pages are in Spanish - All my language preferences are still in English - Can you help ?

helena said, on May 22, 2007 3:40 PM:

well i have a problem i went and signed in to the new aol on my screen and it took off all my screen names on my old aol how do i get them back i really did want them names

Nicola said, on May 24, 2007 9:45 PM:

I'm having the same problem as Pam posted on 4/21, Stowie posted on 5/5, and ted posted on 5/10. I can change from my master screen name to others, but not back. I even designated another screen name as a master also but that didn't work either. Plus, when the switch screen name box comes up, it is also in spanish. Please help.

Shirley said, on May 24, 2007 10:09 PM:

The Create/Delete option never appears on the screen. I am already up to the 7 screen names allowed(family members) but would like to see if the name I would like to really have is available. Is the reason the create/delete option does not come up because I've reached the maximum number of screen names allowed. This is very frustrating.

jaclyn said, on May 27, 2007 8:37 AM:

hello, i have a question, when i try to make a new screen name, i go to settings like u said, and click on "screen names", and click on create a new screen name, but all that pops up is something that says: "???en_US.pgTitle.asqblocked???"

Mary Jane said, on May 27, 2007 5:07 PM:

Hi,
How do I create new screen names in AOL if I dont have the AOL loaded on my machine. I use the free email service on the web.
Thanks,
Mary Jane

Mary Jane said, on May 27, 2007 5:11 PM:

Hi,
Can you add a screen name to AOL without having the AOL program loaded(if so, How do i do it)? I got rid of aol and am just using the free web mail service. Do I need to download it to create another screen name?
Thanks,
Mary Jane

Jim said, on May 29, 2007 3:40 PM:

Dear Dave,
Thanks for what I BELIEVE will be the correct way to go about creating a new screen name. WHY HAS AOL DONE THIS!!!!!!!!! Not just that. When I go to the live help think, why don't any of those people who live in God-knows-where, tell me what you just did about starting out at the settings option on the tool bar. I'm sure that you advice is right. WHAT IS WRONG WITH AOL NOW ANYWAY? If I hadn't had AOL for over 15 years, Id switch

jolaiya said, on June 6, 2007 12:07 PM:

How do i create my screen name if i don't have AOL loaded on to my machine.

KRIS said, on July 6, 2007 5:25 AM:

Can you create an additonal account remotely ?

sandy said, on September 3, 2007 9:11 AM:

i keep trying to make a screenname but it keeps saying its unavalible how do i make one now?

Karen said, on September 10, 2007 5:04 PM:

I keep trying to create an additional screen name and this is the only message I get:
The service you are trying to reach is temporarily unavailable - please try your request again..

Please help!

kristen said, on September 11, 2007 5:59 PM:

kristen

Sarah Hunter said, on September 12, 2007 4:41 PM:

its me snitches

Stephanie said, on September 18, 2007 10:44 AM:

I have just bought a new laptop and successfully opened my main account with AOL 9.0 with my original screen name without any problems, but I am now trying to add the alternative screen name I had on my old laptop. I followed all the steps in your advice, above, but all I get is that the webpage is unavailable. Please help, because I need to access the alternative screen name e-mails regularly, and am having to use my old laptop to do so, and it is now running so slowly that it would probably be quicker to write a letter. Thanks, Stephanie

Joe said, on October 3, 2007 10:38 PM:

Hellio Dave

Just wondering, I have a screen name in mind that I would like to have but of course it is taken. Is there a way that AOL can notify me if it ever comes avable?

Thanks

Joe

stephanie said, on October 8, 2007 11:59 AM:

hello there,
i want to know how to make an AOL.my mom has one and i want to make one to.

Maria said, on October 25, 2007 2:03 PM:

Please i need change my Email Addres and have a new password could you help me I don't who go to the aolkeyword: screennames Thank you any way anithing you can do for me

Kelly Miley said, on October 26, 2007 7:43 AM:

i love this web site and i love asking every one 4 adive and im very happy to be on this web site.

renee said, on October 26, 2007 9:42 PM:

I am trying to add on my husband to the computer
with a screen name and password. after all these
years he thinks he is interested in the computer.
anyway, I followed your instructions and clicked
settings, screennames, create a screen name and
instead of taking me to the page you said it would about age and parent control it took to a page asking me if i wanted to download aim, telling me about aol mobile and the last choice
was asking me if I wanted to make my home page
my own and on the left side to sign in with a password? what should I do? I just want to set him up on aol. help

spongehead said, on December 4, 2007 6:28 PM:

Every time i try to make an account, it always says "Thank you for your interest in getting a screen name. we cannot allow u to get on at this time. sorry for the inconvenience". this is very frustrating!!! what do I do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sue Rodriguez said, on December 6, 2007 12:56 PM:

I am trying to create a new account for a screen name in AOL 9.0 VR. In 9.0 when you went to screen names a window popped up that had that option but in 9.0VR that window does not appear. How can I do this in 9.0VR?

Michael said, on December 27, 2007 9:38 PM:

I have tried adding a new screen with AOL 9.0 Security Edition SE, however, I go under KEYWORD, a screen pops up with Welcome to AOL..New Service Offers. I put in my masterscreen name and password...hit sign in, and this same screen comes up...can't go any further. I tried going under settings like you suggested and the same screen comes up...same procedure again. I can't even get to live online help...same screen and procedure again. What do I do.....I need a to add my wife a screen name for her to conduct her business with..??????HELP PLEASE

melissa said, on January 21, 2008 2:49 PM:

please help me..i keep trying to make myself a new screename b/c the old 1 is too babyish 4 me...i cant figure out how to make a new 1.....HELP ME!!!!!!!!

Marcy Mandel said, on January 22, 2008 9:12 AM:

I downloaded AIM yesterday and I've been trying to use AOL since then. mma9651055 screen name works but I'm unable to use the one I PREFER, marcymandel. I was led to believe that if I use marcylin56 as my screen name it would work. It didn't. Now my account is BLOCKED. SEND ME INSTRUCTIONS THAT WORK! They can be sent to mma9655 or marcymandel@netzero.com (or net, I forgot).

lorian said, on February 8, 2008 10:18 AM:

i really want a screen name

mickey said, on February 17, 2008 6:41 AM:

We are trying to reinstall snmaster. can you help us.?

Christy said, on February 29, 2008 2:29 PM:

I have a question. I have aol9.0 VR. Now everytime I try to use aol help or go to my settings it instead takes me to my aol welcome screen. I put in my screen name & password so I can use aol help & it takes me right back to the aol welcome screen. I cant get to aol help, settings,billing info.I can't get it to do anything after I put in my password. This sucks! Please help me!!!

elarif269 said, on March 14, 2008 3:22 PM:

hello

Michael said, on April 13, 2008 2:57 PM:

I have new version of aol 10. not find any for create a screen name How i can find that.

Sheryl said, on April 30, 2008 7:51 AM:

I want to add my husbands already existing screen name from an account i have to this one. How can we do this?

When I went to add screen names it won't let you add an existing screen name from another account.
If we delete from other account will it then allow?

AnnMarie said, on May 4, 2008 6:58 PM:

I need to change my screen name on my welcome sign?

jonyboy said, on June 1, 2008 8:34 AM:

hey dave i already have a aim acount and my mom wants me to set up a acount for me and we have the new parental guadiance thing and how do i transfer my aim screen name to the new aol account that i am going to make

MJ said, on June 10, 2008 7:26 PM:

Hey Dave,

I want to get rid of my original primary account info and make my secondary screen name my master account and delete my old screen name. How can I do this? Thanks!

tannen said, on June 22, 2008 2:59 AM:

i love aol !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

larry pickard said, on July 8, 2008 6:04 AM:

i need to create a screen name for my daughter shes 23 years old and she continues to go under mine while your at it she needs a email address as well please help me!

carlvin said, on July 23, 2008 9:30 PM:

i cnt remember my password
can u help me i am dying

George said, on October 10, 2008 7:12 PM:

I don't have AOL software installed (and really dont want to have it). I need to open new screen name on my current AOL account. Is there a way I can do this going into AOL through internet Explorer? Let me know. I very much appreciate your help.
Regards,
George

justine said, on October 16, 2008 1:13 PM:

I need spme answers i had numerous sn on my account from almost 3 years old I have not had my pc hook up for a year now and now that I hook my pc up and switched to verzion dsl and aol free account my other sn keep popping up and they shouldn't even be on my account how do I delete them they are also popping up on vrizon what goin on can u help me

Richard said, on October 29, 2008 9:32 AM:

I just got married and would like to take my wifes AOL screen name from her fathers account and add it to my account. Is this possible and how do i do it if it is?

peggy said, on November 19, 2008 11:48 AM:

I created a business screen name, I know that it
took as I sent an email to it and it went. the question is that I can't find my screen name anywhere. HELP I need access to this account as I will be using this for my new business.

ASHLEY said, on December 16, 2008 1:26 PM:

ii neeD help iin makinG a new sCreen name see my cOmputer blOCkeD all aiim websites & ii neeD a webste that ii Can qo to so that ii Can make a new sCreen name. Do uu have any websites iin minD ?!

lonnie smith said, on January 16, 2009 10:25 AM:

i want to add anouther screen name how do i do it

Cookie said, on January 16, 2009 4:45 PM:

HOW DO I DELETE A SCREEN NAME, (NOT MY MASTER SCREEN NAME) Every time I go to keyword AOL SCREEN NAMES I get a window that says OOPPS can't find this page. WHAT GIVES???

BOB said, on January 17, 2009 9:00 AM:

My wife and i are seperated, the account is in her name. I would like to keep my screen name, and open a new account. How do i do it ?

BOB said, on January 17, 2009 9:02 AM:

My wife and i are seperated, the account is in her name. I would like to keep my screen name, and open a new account. How do i do it ?

Duane Stradley said, on January 29, 2009 1:41 PM:

I have a free AOL usage since I have broadband by another service. Please tell me where I can find the Delete a screen name on the system. The instructions you ive on lthe website are for the dialup paid subscribers, but will not take me to the right place.

Thanks,
Duane

daniellewagner said, on February 4, 2009 7:37 PM:

i have aol 9.0 VR and i click settings, then screen names, and im trying to get my own aol account, because right now im using hers for everything and i need my own. but when i click screen names it should take me to the screen where it locates the adding and deleting of screen names which is where i want to go but it comes up a different screen and it says welcome aol.

Patricia Sheehy said, on February 5, 2009 12:10 PM:

Please help me. I'm on Mac OSX 10.4.11 and AOL 10.3.7 and I can't delete/create new screen name. When I click on Account Settings / Screen Names it takes me to the internet and then a host of pages that go no where and give no information. What am I doing wrong. Or is it AOL??????

robert ladewig said, on March 11, 2009 2:08 PM:

hi i would like use my old screen name how do this had old one 8 years ? robert ladewig

Jill said, on March 23, 2009 6:08 PM:

I need your help how to add my husband to my screen name to my master account thank you, Jill

Barbara Saltzman said, on May 28, 2009 9:45 PM:

I CANNOT add a screen name - followed all instructions and it does not work - pls help

Rollin said, on September 10, 2009 2:10 PM:

Dave, we just got your comments on how to create a new screen name. The first thing you said to do was go to the Aol toolbar and select Settings.
There isn't a tool bar nor settings on our opening page. How do you suggest we find it?
TKS
Rollin

Larry N. Johnson said, on November 2, 2009 2:11 PM:

Is this windows XP getting in the way of adding another screen name in the sign-on box? This XP set-up is new Just installed this month.Do I need some more sofeware?

orlando said, on January 19, 2010 1:03 PM:

Dave, I just opened a free aol account & added 6 additional screen names to the main one. Now I can't access any of the additional screen names. there is no drop down box in the upper left corner by my main sceen name to be able to link them as instructed by the help menu. I've signed off and then signed in again, but this does not help. I would appreciate any help that you can give me in order to solve this problem.
Thanks, Orlando

Corinne said, on February 1, 2010 8:08 AM:

How do you restore the snmaster.idx database file?

Sherry said, on February 24, 2010 7:28 AM:

Dave,
I want to add a new screename but have been unable to locate how or where to do so. I have been logging in under guest and this has been frustrating to say the least. I just tried to post this question and received the message stating it did not post due to "too many post recently" which is bogus because it was my FIRST POST! I'm hoping you can help. Thank you.

Kate said, on May 24, 2010 4:50 AM:

Please i did not get my screen name and my password.please i need them asap.I'm dieing pleaseeee.

Kate

heavenlystrom said, on August 23, 2010 12:19 PM:

let's get the ball rolling

Rick Rhodes said, on March 17, 2011 11:01 AM:

I'm having trouble creating screen names and passwords everytime i click on it, it says it can't open.

marge leopold said, on August 26, 2011 8:28 AM:

I opened this account several years ago,using it daily. Today it is no longer recognized and I am supposed to remember the name of a restaurant I selected as a favorite back then.Since several restaurants have closed, I have no idea what it was back then. Couldn't you require something that isn't changeable like my husbands middle name?

Rameeza said, on June 15, 2012 9:28 PM:

Create another name for an e-mail already created.

I do have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but first I'd like to say thank you, Dave, for all your helpful information by buying you a cup of coffee!

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I do have a comment, now that you mention it!

How do I create a new screen name in AOL (America Online) 9.0?

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