Napster users seek to re-register

Music fans using the Napster MP3 file swapping service have responded to the banning of 317,377 users this week, by suggesting possible ways to circumvent the measures taken to keep them out.

Ironically, many of the methods have been posted on Napster's own message boards.

The Napster users had their access blocked at the request of rock band Metallica, who claimed they were pirating its music tracks via the Napster website.

Napster, however, has made it clear that it does not endorse its members' behaviour, and said that any postings found offering tips on how banned users can re-register would be removed.

Although only users accused of pirating Metallica's music were supposed to be blocked from the Napster service, some members claim they have been locked out mistakenly. Napster was unavailable for comment.

Metallica filed its lawsuit against Napster last month claiming the service encourages copyright infringements. Napster has also been served with a similar lawsuit by rap artist Dr Dre.