# Start here: your account and workspace

RETROSTRESS uses an account access key to sign you in. Save this key before leaving registration. You do not need to put an access key into a support conversation.

## Create and open your account

1. Open [account registration](https://retrostress.net/auth?mode=register).
2. Complete the security check if it is shown, then create your account.
3. Save the generated account access key in a password manager. Treat it like a password.
4. Use your account access key on the [sign-in page](https://retrostress.net/auth) to open the workspace.

If registration reports that the security check failed, reload the page and complete the check again. If it still fails, contact support with the exact error, browser, and approximate time. Do not keep creating accounts to work around an error.

## Find the right page

- [Dashboard](https://retrostress.net/dashboard): your workspace overview and Telegram connection.
- [Plans & billing](https://retrostress.net/plans-billing): the active plan, expiry, and payment history.
- [API keys](https://retrostress.net/api-keys): credentials for integrations, separate from the key you use to sign in.
- [Support](https://retrostress.net/support): create a ticket or continue an existing conversation.

An empty payment history does not itself indicate an error. It means this account has no payments in the displayed history. If you expected a purchase, check that you signed into the account used at checkout.

## Before using the service

Use the service only for systems you own or have explicit permission to test. Confirm the scope with the system owner and read the current [terms of service](https://retrostress.net/terms-of-service). If you are unsure whether your intended use is permitted, ask support before proceeding.

For sign-in problems, see [account access](https://retrostress.net/docs#account-access). For a purchase that has not appeared, see [payment problems](https://retrostress.net/docs#payment-problems).