My screen name is not on the sign on screen
You may not be able to see your screen name on the AOL sign-on screen for one of several reasons. After trying the first solution below, check to see if you can see your screen name. If you are still unable to see your screen name, continue using the suggested solutions until the problem is fixed.
You may wish to print or save a copy of these instructions as this page may not remain visible as you go through the suggested steps.
Information you need
You will need to know what version of the Windows operating system is installed on your computer. If you do not know how to find this information, follow the instructions in the online help article entitled How to determine which version of Windows I have. You will also need to know what version of the AOL software you are using. If you do not know how to find this information, follow the instructions in the online help article entitled Determining if I have the latest AOL software installed.
Solutions
Check if the screen name is in the Screen Name box
In the Screen Name drop-down list on the AOL sign-on screen, click the arrow to reveal all the screen names on the sign-on screen.
Check if the missing screen name is located here.
Update your screen names
Sometimes the AOL software needs to have the list of screen names on the AOL sign-on screen refreshed. These changes will happen the next time the AOL software is started.
To update your screen names:
1. Sign-on to AOL using a master screen name.
Note: Your master screen name is the screen name you created when signing up for the AOL service, or a designated additional master screen name.
2. Go to AOL Keyword: Names.
3. On the AOL Screen Names window, ensure the screen name you wish to use is listed.
4. Click the File menu, then click Exit.
5. Double-click the AOL icon, then sign on with the desired screen name.
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Recover a deleted screen name
Any screen name with master access can create, delete or restore a screen name. Screen names that have been deleted are sometimes able to be recovered.
To restore a deleted screen name at AOL.co.uk:
1. Go to https://names.aol.co.uk.
2. If prompted for your screen name and password, enter them, then click the Sign On button.
3. Under Additional Options, click the Restore link.
4. Click the screen name to restore, then click the Restore button.
To restore a deleted screen name using AOL 6.0 or higher:
1. Sign-on to the AOL software using a master screen name.
2. Go to AOL Keyword: Names.
3. Under Additional Options, click the Restore link.
4. Click the screen name to restore, then click the Restore button.
To restore a deleted screen name using the AOL software for Mac OS X:
1. Sign on to the AOL software using a master screen name.
Note: Your master screen name is the screen name you created when signing up for the AOL service, or a designated additional master screen name.
2. Go to AOL Keyword: Names.
3. On the AOL Screen Names window, click the Restore a Screen Name link.
4. Click the screen name you wish to restore, then click the Recover button.
5. Click the OK button.
6. The screen name will be available on the AOL sign-on screen the next time you start the AOL software.
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Sign on as an existing member
If you see New User or Existing Member on the AOL sign-on screen, simply sign on to the AOL software to place your screen names on the sign-on screen. This can occur any time the AOL software is reinstalled or installed on a new computer.
To sign on as an existing member:
1. On the AOL sign-on screen, click the screen name drop-down menu, then click Existing Member.
2. Click the Sign On button.
3. Click the You already have an existing AOL account you'd like to use option.
4. Type your screen name and password in the appropriate boxes.
5. Click the Next button.
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Run Quick Restore (AOL 9.0 VR only)
If you are using AOL 9.0 VR, you can run the quick restore feature of the AOL software to automatically run the original installation program and reset the screen name list on the AOL sign-on screen. Before completing these steps, exit the AOL software.
To run a quick restore:
1. On the the Windows taskbar next to the clock, right-click the AOL icon, then click System Information....
2. Click the Utilities tab, then click the Quick Restore button.
3. Click the OK or Proceed button.
4. Click the OK or Close button.
5. Close the AOL System Information window.
6. Double-click the AOL icon.
7. Sign-on to the AOL software as an existing member.
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Uninstall and reinstall the AOL software
If you are experiencing problems with the AOL software (for example, persistent error messages), the software may have become corrupted. To fix this, you can uninstall the AOL software, then reinstall a fresh copy. This will repair any damaged files.
