What does an account allow me to do?
Having an account allows you to:
- Upload files to the site
- Have collections for your uploads (50 items minimum required)
- Borrow books from the lending library
- Leave reviews
- Participate in forums
- View and use some items that are restricted
- Receive monthly newsletters and event notices
How do I create an account?
You create an account by completing the following form found on our website.
Please remember: When creating an account, the email address and screen name used must be unique to the site. In other words, it must not already be in use on the site by yourself or someone else.
Would you like to create an account? Simply go to https://archive.org/account/login.createaccount.php
What is my screen name?
Your screen name is the public name for your account. It will be seen on the site if you upload, leave reviews, or participate in forums.
You may find that your preferred screen name is already in use. You can always add characters or numbers to your screen name to make it unique.
Can I change my screen name?
Yes, you can. Just follow these steps:
1. First, you will need to be logged in.
2. Click on your screen name in the top right-hand corner. A drop-down menu will appear. Click on Edit settings.
3. Enter your password under Account Settings and click on Change Account Settings.
4. Change your screen name, by entering your new name into the New Screen Name input and click on Change.
Would you like to edit your screen name? Simply go to
What is a username and why do I need it?
When you create an account, a username (@foo) will be generated based on your screen name. This is the unique name we use from a systems perspective to capture and store metadata.
You can think of your screen name as an identifier for other visitors to our site, your username is how our system tags your data.
While you may change screen names, the username cannot be changed once created.
Why do you need my email address?
We use your email address for various reasons:
- To verify your account upon creation
- To log in
- To help you if you have forgotten your password
- To keep you notified if your book or movie is available for download
We promise we will not share your data with anyone.
Can I change my email address?
You may change your email address at any time. Just follow these simple steps:
1. Log in to your account.
2. Click on your screen name in the top right-hand corner. A drop-down menu will appear. Click on Edit settings.
3. Enter your password under Account Settings and click on Change Account Settings.
4. Enter your new email address and click Change.
5. Notify us at info@archive.org of your change in email address.
Your email address is associated with all your activity and materials on the site. To make sure that your materials are associated with your new email address, please contact us with the following information: your old email address and your new one.
Here is a sample email template you may use:
| To: info@archive.org Subject: Please update my email address Body: Hi, I have updated my email address. Please could you make sure that all the materials associated with my old email address are now linked to my new one? Here are my details: Old email: [your old email address] |
What pages are in an account?
You will find the following pages in your account:
- My library (uploads, collections, forum posts, reviews, web archives)
- My loans (current loans, waiting list, loan history)
- My favorites
- My web archive
How to change profile image?
1. Log in to your account.
2. Click on your screen name in the top right-hand corner. Go to My Library .
3. Hover over the profile image until you see the prompt appear.
4. Upload your image and click save.
Help! I can’t create an account
If you are unable to create an account because your email or screen name is not accepted, or the reCAPTCHA is not functioning, please contact us at info@archive.org to have an account created for you.
Here is a sample email template you may use:
| To: info@archive.org Subject: Please create an account Body: Hi, I am not able to create an account. Please can you create it for me? Please use the following information: Email: [your email address] Screen name: [please include 2-3 options] Thank you |