In LISTSERV, how do I set or change a personal password?

Note: IU will be retiring its LISTSERV system beginning in spring 2012, and replacing it with IU List, a new mailing list service. See About the migration to IU List and What is IU List, and how do I use it?

Several of the operations performed by LISTSERV list owners and file owners are protected and require a password. The LISTSERV web interface also requires a password for several functions, including managing your list subscriptions. Even if you aren't a list owner or editor, you need a password to use these functions. To add, remove, or change your personal password, either send a PW command to the LISTSERV server or use the LISTSERV web interface.

The PW command

Note: Since LISTSERV passwords are sent in unencrypted email, you should never use your Network ID password as your LISTSERV password.

Note: For Indiana University LISTSERV mailing lists, send all commands to the appropriate address for your list:

Never send commands to the address of the mailing list (e.g., to  listname@indiana.edu ). Send only messages intended for members of the list to the list's address.

In all of the following commands, replace newpassword with the password you wish to use and oldpassword with your current password:

• To add your personal password to the password file, send this command in the body of an email message: PW ADD newpassword
• To remove your personal password, send this command: PW RESET
• To change your personal password, send this command: PW CHANGE newpassword PW=oldpassword

  If you omit the old password (e.g., if you've forgotten it), LISTSERV will ask you to confirm the change request using the two-way OK mechanism.

The LISTSERV web interface

You can also set or change a password through the LISTSERV web interface:

1. For Indiana University LISTSERV lists, visit the menu for your campus:
   
   
   • IU Bloomington
   • IUPUI
   • IU Kokomo
   • IU Northwest
   • IU Southeast
   • IU South Bend
   
   
2. Click Get Password. Enter the email address you use for the list, then a password, and then enter the password again for verification.
   
   
3. After you register your password, LISTSERV will send you a confirmation message to which you must reply either by email (with ok in the body of the message) or by clicking the link provided in the message.

Your password will be good for any of your lists that you administer from that particular email address.

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