The servers require that you register with them to use the full VP features. Registration is usually free, and the information you are required to submit varies according to the server's Terms of Service, but basically consists of choosing a chat nickname and submitting your e-mail address. The information you give can be basically anything you like though.

At the sign-in screen select Registration / New User / Join and enter required info. In most cases, your password is sent to you almost immediately to the e-mail address you submitted.

REMEMBER: NEVER GIVE YOUR PASSWORD TO ANYONE!
Once you have received your password, you can sign in. Enter your nickname and password. You are also given an option for word filtering. Word Filtering replaces almost all the "Naughty" words you may encounter in chatrooms with the number symbol ###.
Excite usage: You must enable Java Javascript and cookies (Netscape) / Active-X Script, Java and Cookies (Internet Explorer) in order to be able to sign.
Note: Excite looks for Internet Explorer by default. However you can switch to Netscape.