Setting Up Instant Messaging

Before you can send and receive instant messages, you need to get a passport. Not the kind you need to travel the world, but the kind that you need to travel the Internet ”a Microsoft .NET Passport. Microsoft .NET Passport is an online service that makes it possible for you to use your e-mail address and a single password to securely sign in to any participating .NET Passport Web site or service around the world. You need a .NET Passport to use MSN- related software, such as Windows Messenger. You can use a wizard to set up your Windows XP user account to register for a new .NET Passport. If you already have a .NET Passport, you only need to associate your e-mail address with the Passport.

Get a .NET Passport

Click the Start button on the taskbar, and then click Control Panel.

Double-click User Accounts.

Click an account, and then click Set Up My Account To Use A .NET Passport.

Click Next.

Make sure the Yes option is selected if you have an e-mail address, and then click Next; otherwise , click the No option, and then follow the instructions.

Click the No option to register for a new .NET Passport, and then click Next twice to open the .NET registration Web site.

If you have an existing .NET Passport, click the Yes. I Want To Sign In With My Passport option, click Next, type your e-mail address and .NET Passport password, click Next, and then click Finish.

Click Yes to acknowledge any security warnings that might appear, and then follow the instructions for registering.

Click Finish.