If he is getting the "message must be at least 5 characters long" thingy, then it is a compatability issue somewhere - think there is a thread somewhere.
Bet he just changed or updated his operating system.
Yeah. Chances are the problems are derived from his side.
As you said, probably a simple compatability thing.
He might try adjusting or deleting cookies and browsing history first.
...or set a new recovery date.