FAQ: Account and Password

Can I have more than one account?

Yes, however, in most cases, this is not necessary. Suppose you want to reserve a few nicknames you commonly use. In that case, you can register them to your account by using N's REGNICK command on IRC, which links them to your account (preventing others from using them).


How do I log in to my account on IRC?

To authenticate to your account, use one of the following commands:

  • /msg N@services.darenet.org AUTH [username] <password>
  • /nickserv AUTH [username] <password>
  • /auth [username] <password>

Remember, don't include the brackets around your username and password. Suppose you're using a nickname that is registered to your account. In that case, you can omit the username portion and just supply your password. You may also specify your email address in place of your username.


How do I set up my IRC client to automatically login?

Please see the Using SASL or Login-on-Connect guides for information on achieving this.


Can I use a certificate to log in on IRC?

Please see the CertFP authentication guide for more information on authenticating using a client certificate fingerprint.


Why doesn't my certificate fingerprint work anymore?

Make sure your certificate has not expired. You can try checking with openssl x509 -text -noout -in yourcert.pem.


I didn't receive my verification or reset email. What should I do?

Usually these emails arrive within a few seconds or couple of minutes. If you can't find the email after we send it, these steps can help:

  1. Search for the email: We'll send the email from "DareNET" so you can quickly search for it. If it isn't in your inbox, check your folders. While not typical for our emails, a spam filter or email rule may have moved the email; it might be in the Spam, Junk, Trash, Deleted Items, or Archive folder.
  2. Make sure you're checking the correct email account:  It may sound silly, but be sure you're checking the correct email inbox.
  3. Resend the email: To resend a reset email, simply submit a new request, and we'll send a new email.  To resend a verification email, join #help for assistance.
  4. Ensure you're getting email: If you're not getting any email, you might need to contact your email service provider for assistance.

I forgot my username. How can I find out what it is?

Simply authenticate on IRC or log into the site using your email address. Your username will be shown to you once you log in.


I forgot my password. How can I reset it?

You can request a password reset using the site's forgot password feature. We'll send you an email with a link to reset your password.


When do accounts and nicknames expire?

Keep in mind that accounts and nicknames are  two different entities, while it's possible to register nicknames to your account.

Accounts do not automatically expire; however, inactive accounts, meaning not used within the last 12 months, may be reclaimed by DareNET without notice.

Nicknames are considered expired after 60 days without use. Once a nickname is expired, it may be registered by anyone.

None of these limits apply to staff-reserved nicknames, or nicknames that match the account name it's registered to.


If my account is reclaimed by DareNET, will the new username owner have access to my information?

No. The new owner of the username will never have access to any of your data, including settings or channel access.


How do you know the last time a nickname was used?

We know this only by you authenticating to N and using the nickname. Suppose you're not authenticated (logged in) to N while using the nickname. In that case, we won't know that your nickname is in use, and it will eventually expire.


What can I do if a DareNET username or nickname is already claimed but seems inactive?

If the username you want is taken,  you can try adding numbers, underscores, or abbreviations to come up with a unique username. You can also try using a different variation of the username, such as adding a prefix or suffix.

Nicknames that haven't been used after 60 days  automatically expire, allowing others to register them.


Is there a minimum length for usernames and nicknames?

We require at least two characters for account usernames and nicknames.


How can I prevent my host from being hidden?

Everyone automatically receives a hidden host when they connect. If you'd prefer to show your actual host, no problem. First, disable the AUTOHIDE setting for your account, /msg N SET AUTOHIDE OFF. Then configure your client to use either the SASL or Login-on-Connect method to authenticate. Once done, simply reconnect.

If you'd like to reenable automatic host hiding for your account in the future, simply enable the AUTOHIDE setting.


What can I do if my account  has been disabled?

If your DareNET account was disabled, you'd see a message telling you when you try to log in. Accounts that don't follow our Community Guidelines may be disabled without warning. We suggest that you review the Community Guidelines carefully. Keep in mind that we may permanently remove an account that repeatedly violates the Community Guidelines.

If you think your account was disabled by mistake, you may appeal the decision by reaching out to us here.


How do I permanently delete my account?

Heading out? We understand and will miss you!

If you've decided to permanently delete your account, you can do so through your  account settings page.


How do I restore my deleted account?

Deleting an account is permanent. Once it's gone, it cannot be restored. You can create a new account with the same email address  you used before, but you might not be able to get the same username.

Should you still need assistance, stop by #Help on IRC.