When you sign up with certain Microsoft online services, including Zune Music + Video, you are asked to use a Windows Live ID (usually a Hotmail.com or Live.com email address) to create an account and user profile. This account contains different information depending on the service. In Zune Music + Video, this account is linked to your Zune Tag, and you use this account to buy Microsoft Points, download music and videos, rent and buy movies, get a Zune Music Pass, and join Zune Social. Your Zune Music + Video account also contains items related to your activity—like badges, play counts, and favorites.

If you've already created an account with one Microsoft online service, you should use the same Windows Live ID when you sign up with another. That way, you can easily access your account and share your profile across services and devices.

For example, let's say you have an Xbox LIVE account with a Gamertag. When you sign up with Zune Music + Video, use the same Live ID for your Zune Music + Video account. That way, you can use your Microsoft Points on Xbox and in Zune Music + Video. You can also use your Xbox LIVE Gamertag as your Zune Tag so that your gaming accomplishments and listening activity are under one profile.

If you are already signed up with Zune Music + Video, Xbox, or Windows Phone 7, but you're not sure what your Live ID is, you can easily find out.

1. Go to www.Zune.net.

2. If you're already signed in to Zune.net, your Zune Tag is displayed at the top right of the page. Click the arrow next to your Zune Tag and click Sign out.

3. At the top right of the page, click Sign in.

4. If you set the site to remember your email address, it will be filled in for you already: that is your Live ID. Enter a password and click Sign in.

   You'll see the Zune Tag for your Live ID once you've signed in. If you haven't set up a Zune Tag for this Live ID, you'll be prompted to do so when you sign in.

1. Go to www.Xbox.com.

2. If you're already signed in to Xbox.com, your Gamertag is displayed at the top right of the page. At the very top of the page, click Sign out.

3. At the top right of the page, click Sign in.

4. If you set the site to remember your email address, it will be filled in for you already: that is your Live ID. Enter a password and click Sign in.

   You'll see your Gamertag for your Live ID once you've signed in. If you haven't set up a Gamertag for this Live ID, you'll be prompted to do so when you sign in.

1. On your Windows Phone 7, tap Settings.

2. Under System, tap Email & Accounts.

   You'll see your Windows Live ID under Windows Live. If more than one account is listed, look for the first Windows Live ID account in the list.