AIM FAQ

AIM Product

What's the AIM® Service?

AOL® Instant Messenger™ (AIM) is a free online service that lets you communicate in real time. Using the AIM® Buddy List® window, you can see when your buddies are online and chat with them. For more help, visit the AIM Help Message Board.
 

AIM® 5.9 FAQs

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AIM® 6.5 FAQs

Q. What are the system requirements for AIM 6.5?
Q. Does AIM run on the Microsoft Vista operating systems?
Q. What do I need to run AIM 6.5?
Q. Do I need to register to use AIM 6.5?
Q. How much does AIM cost to use?
Q. How old do I have to be to use the AIM service?
Q. What is Plaxo, and how does it work with AIM 6.5's address book?
Q. Is AIM 6.5 compatible with AIM 5.9, AOL 9.0 and iChat?
Q. Can I use screen reader software with AIM 6.5?
Q. Why is AIM 5.9 on my computer after I install AIM 6.5?
Q. Why would I still want to use AIM 5.9?
Q. How do I update/create my Buddy Info?
Q. Who can see my Away Message and Buddy Info?
Q. How do I create a Buddy Icon?
Q. How does offline messaging work?
Q. Is there a limit to the number of offline IMs that I can receive?
Q. How does IM logging work?
Q. How do I set up RSS feeds or "Buddy Updates" on AIM 6.5?
Q. How do I disable offline IMs?
Q. How do I get rid of a WeeMee?
Q. Can I use my same screen name from AOL, CompuServe2000 or Netscape on AIM?
Q. What do I do if I've misplaced or forgotten my AIM password?
Q. How do I change my AIM password?
Q. After I upgraded to the newer version of AIM, I was no longer able to sign in.
Q. How do I remove the AIM software?
Q. How do I remove AIM 5.9 from my computer?
Q. How do I uninstall AOL Explorer?
Q. How do I backup my Away Messages?
 

AIM® 6.5 FAQs

Q: What are the system requirements for AIM 6.5?
A: AIM 6.5 runs on Windows® Vista, Windows XP or Windows 2000. You need at least 128MB of RAM and Internet Explorer® 6.5 or later. For other versions of the AIM service, see our AIM Downloads page.
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Q: Does AIM run on the Microsoft Vista operating systems?
A: We recommend using AIM 6.5 or higher on Vista operating systems.
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Q: What do I need to run AIM 6.5?
A: You need a Pentium® III 200Mhz processor or greater, 128 megabytes of RAM for basic features, 256 megabytes of RAM to use EIM, 20MB of free hard drive space, Microsoft® Internet Explorer 6.5 or higher, a minimum of 800X600 screen resolution or 1024x768 screen resolution (preferred) and Microsoft Windows® XP or Windows 2000 with DirectX 9. If you want to use enhanced IM features like voice and video chat, you'll need a headset or a Webcam. We recommend all users of the new Microsoft® Vista operating system to run AIM 6.5.
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Q: Do I need to register to use AIM 6.5?
A: After downloading the AIM software, you'll set up an AIM account and become registered to use the AIM service.
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Q: How much does AIM cost to use?
A: AIM 6.5 is free! However, you're responsible for your connection to the Internet and/or any associated telephone charges, or any premium services that you choose.
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Q: How old do I have to be to use the AIM service?
A: You must be 13 years old or older in order to use the AIM service.
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Q: What is Plaxo, and how does it work with AIM 6.5's address book?
A: Plaxo will help you synchronize among Outlook®, Outlook Express and AIM's address book. Plaxo is built into AIM 6.5 and plugs into Outlook or Outlook Express. Plaxo will help you to keep your address books in sync and up-to-date.
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Q: Is AIM 6.5 compatible with AIM 5.9, AOL 9.0 and iChat?
A: AIM 6.5 works seamlessly with AIM 5.9, AOL 9.0 and iChat® services. You can send and receive IMs with your buddies using any of these clients. However, certain advanced features may not work across all clients right now. For example, voice chat with more than two people only works with other AIM 6.5 users, and video chat will work only between two AIM 6.5 users at this time.
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Q: Can I use screen reader software with AIM 6.5?
A: AOL and Freedom Scientific are happy to announce that screen reader support for AIM 6.5 will be available in JAWS 8.0. JAWS 8 is expected at the end of November. Please contact Freedom Scientific for more information on the release of JAWS 8.0. AOL does not recommend use of AIM 6.5 with other screen reader products at this time. Please call your vendor to inquire about plans for supporting AIM 6.5. For more information regarding accessibility, please visit the accessibility page.
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Q: Why is AIM 5.9 on my computer after I install AIM 6.5?
A: You still have AIM 5.9 on your computer after you install 6.5 because it's a separate application. AIM 5.9 and AIM 6.5 install into two separate directories. We do not uninstall 5.9 so that you can pick and choose which version you want to use.
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Q: Why would I still want to use AIM 5.9?
A: It's really up to you which AIM you choose to use. You might like the look and feel of the 5.9 version better, and depending on your PC, you might not be able to upgrade to 6.5 at this time. Some people just don't like change. AIM 5.9 won't be supported on the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system, while AIM 6.5 will.
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Q: How do I update/create my Buddy Info?
A: In AIM 6.5, click on the "Edit" menu and select "My Buddy Info." Your canvas is there, waiting for you to paint it with info!
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Q: Who can see my Away Message and Buddy Info?
A: Every person that has you on his or her Buddy List window can see your Away Message and Buddy Info, unless you block them. You can place users on your Block List by going to the "Edit" menu, selecting "Settings," and clicking on the "Privacy" tab.
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Q: How do I create a Buddy Icon?
A: Click on "Edit," select "Settings," and then click the "Expressions" tab. In preferences, click on the "Browse" link. Select your icon with the "Select a Buddy Icon" tool. In order for your awesome file to become your personalized Buddy Icon, it has to be 48 x 48 pixels and no more than 7K in size. Save it, and you're done!
 
You can also set up AIM 6.5 to view user-created Buddy Icons that your friends have made. This option is turned off by default.
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Q: How does offline messaging work?
A: One of the best things about AIM 6.5 is the offline messaging feature. You can receive IMs that were sent to you while you were signed out of the AIM service. You can fix your offline messaging settings to fit your preferences under the "Edit" menu by clicking "Settings" (or press F7). In "Settings," there is an "Offline IMs" tab, where you can set your preferences for this feature. The buddy that you would like to send an offline message to must have checked the box preferences to receive them.
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Q: Is there a limit to the number of offline IMs that I can receive?
A: Yes. You can receive up to 40 IMs while you're offline. Also, we're only able to save these IMs for you for two weeks. You'll need to log in during that time to receive those IMs.
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Q: How does IM logging work?
A: You can pick a file directory on your computer to save logs of the chats you have. Under the "Edit" menu, click "Settings," and then go to the "IM Logging" tab. You can choose to store your text IM conversations, chats, both or none. You'll never have to worry about writing down that phone number or remembering the name of a restaurant again!
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Q: How do I set up RSS feeds or "Buddy Updates" on AIM 6.5?
A: Click on the Buddy Update icon Buddy Updates icon on the Buddy List. At the top of the page, we provide a URL for you to set up your RSS alerts. This URL is unique to your screen name and allows you to inform friends when you have made updates on sites such as YouTube™, Digg™, Flickr™, Xanga®. You can also access your RSS feed preferences by visiting the AIM Web Settings page.
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Q: How do I disable offline IMs?
A: Any AIM or AOL client can receive offline IMs, but only AIM 6.5 users have the ability to send them. To turn this feature on or off, go to your AIM Settings page. Please note that this is a global setting and will turn the feature off for any AIM/AOL client that you use.
 
To change your preferences inside AIM 6.5, click "Edit," select "Settings" and then "Offline IMs."
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Q: How do I get rid of a WeeMee?
A: A WeeMee is technically a wallpaper, not a Buddy Icon. In order to remove it, you need to change your wallpaper by going into "Edit," selecting "Expressions," and then selecting "Change or Reset."
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Q: Can I use my same screen name from AOL, CompuServe2000 or Netscape on AIM?
A: If you already have a screen name from AOL, Netscape, CompuServe2000, My News, AOL Hometown or the Personal Finance Channel on AOL.com, you can use that same name on the AIM service. Just download the AIM you want to use, enter in your existing screen name and password, and you're all set!
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Q: What do I do if I've misplaced or forgotten my AIM password?
A: AIM has an online password reset feature. Enter your screen name, go through the word verification process, and click "Next." Enter the alternate email address you put in when you registered your screen name, or confirm your birthday, gender and zip code, and then click "Next." Answer the security question you selected during registration, and click "Next." Choose a new password (one that you'll remember!), and be sure to make it complex so that others won't be able to guess it. Finally, you're ready! Type in and confirm your new password. If you're using an @mac.com screen name, please visit Apple's .Mac page, click "Log In" and then click "Forgot Password."
 
If you're an AIM user who has never established an account security question, you can still retrieve your password. Simply enter in your alternative email address and we'll send you a link that will help you reset your password. During this reset process, you'll be asked to set up an account security question.
 
Unfortunately, if you do not have an account security question or an alternative email address on file with us, we're not able to help you retrieve your password. We are not able to offer personalized help at this time.
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Q: How do I change my AIM password?
A: On your Buddy List, click on the "Edit" drop down menu and go to "Settings." Under the "Sign In/Sign Out" tab, there is a "Change My Password" button. Remember, be creative but choose something that will stick!
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Q: After I upgraded to the newer version of AIM, I was no longer able to sign in.
A: On the AIM "Help" menu, go to "AIM Help" (or get there instantly by pressing F1). If that doesn't answer your question, you can report a bug by going to the second option under the AIM "Help" menu. Your firewall may need to be configured to let AIM 6.5 totally work on your computer, and if that's the issue, AIM uses port 443.
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Q: How do I remove the AIM software?
A: AIM can be uninstalled through the Start Menu under the Control Panel. Click on "Add or Remove Programs" and select the AIM Uninstaller program. This will remove AIM and other programs that were included with your installation.
 
The Viewpoint Media Player used with AIM may also be used by other applications on your computer. You can choose to uninstall Viewpoint through the Start Menu under the Control Panel. Click on "Add or Remove Programs" and select the Viewpoint Uninstall program to remove it from your computer.
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Q: How do I remove AIM 5.9 from my computer?
A: AIM 5.9 can be uninstalled through the Start Menu. In the "AOL Instant Messenger" menu, click on the "Uninstall AIM" option. You will be guided through the rest of the uninstall process.
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Q: How do I uninstall AOL Explorer?
A: You can uninstall it by heading to the "Start" menu and going to your Control Panel. Once in there, click on "Add or Remove Programs," select AOL Explorer and click "Uninstall."
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Q: How do I backup my Away Messages?
A: Away Messages are stored in the common.cls file in the following directory:
Windows 2K/XP: C:\Documents and Settings\[Windows_Username]\Local Settings\Application Data\AOL OCP\AIM\Storage\data\[ScreenName]\localStorage
Windows Vista: C:\Users\[Windows_Username]\AppData\Local\AOL OCP\AIM\Storage\data\[ScreenName]\localStorage
After exiting AIM, you can make a copy of that common.cls file as a backup, and even share Away Messages by copying the file to the corresponding localStorage directory of another Screen Name. However, the file also contains certain other Screen Name-specific settings and user data such as Address Book contacts, so always back up or rename an existing common.cls file before copying in a different one.
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Still having a problem? Visit the AIM Support page for more help.