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Frequently Asked Questions Q. How do I get an AIM Screen Name? Q. Can I have more than one AIM Screen Name? Q. What can I do if the screen name I want is already taken? Q. How do I use multiple screen names with my existing copy of AIM? Q. How can I change my screen name? Q. Can I delete one of my old AIM screen names? Q. How do I remove screen names from the Sign On screen? Q. How do I delete screen names from the drop-down list in the Instant Message window or from the Info window? Q. Why do I get an error message, indicating one of the names is invalid, when I try to go from the List Setup tab to the Online tab? Q. Do my screen names and Buddy List transfer to any new copy of AIM that I install on the same computer?

Q: How do I get an AIM Screen Name? A: To create an AIM Screen Name, Click here.   Back to Top

Q: Can I have more than one AIM Screen Name? A: Yes. To create additional AIM Screen Names, Click here.   Back to Top

Q: What can I do if the screen name I want is already taken? A: If the screen name you want is already taken, try variations of that name, or select another. You can use up to 16 letters, numbers, and spaces for your screen name. For example, if the screen name you want is "Hearty", try using "Heart101," "NYC Heart," etc.   Back to Top

Q: How do I use multiple screen names with my existing copy of AIM?
A: Double-click the Aim icon to get to the Sign On screen. If you are already online, then choose the "Switch Screen Name" menu item (Windows) or "Sign Off" menu item (Mac).

On the Sign On screen, highlight whichever screen name is currently in the Screen Name field, and then just type the new screen name over the old one. (Note that the new screen name must already be registered with AIM.) Then type in your password and click the Sign On button. After doing this, both screen names will be available in the list on the Sign On window. Back to Top

Q: How can I change my screen name? A: If you don't like your current screen name, you can either change the formatting (capitalization and spacing) of your screen name, or you can register a new one. To format your screen name on Windows, select the My AIM menu, select My Options, and select Format Screen Name. On the Macintosh, select the Edit menu, and then select Account Options -> Screen Name Format.   Back to Top

Q: Can I delete one of my old AIM screen names?
A: No, you cannot delete old AIM screen names at this time. However, you can prevent other users from finding one of your screen names by performing the following steps:

 

Windows: Select the My AIM menu, click My Options, and then click Edit Preferences. After the window appears, click the Controls tab, and click Nothing about me.

 

Macintosh: Select the Edit menu, and click Preferences. After the window appears, click the Controls tab, and click Nothing about me.

 

You can also and remove any information from your profile that would lead other users to find your screen name. You can access your profile from My AIM menu on Windows or the People menu on Mac OS.

 

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Q: How do I remove screen names from the Sign On screen? A: Windows: Select the screen name on the Sign On screen, and press the Delete key. If the screen name is still not deleted, upgrade to the latest version of AIM.   Macintosh: At the bottom of the Screen Name drop-down list on the Sign On screen, choose the "Remove" option. If you don't have this option, then upgrade to the latest version of AIM.   Back to Top

Q: How do I delete screen names from the drop-down list in the Instant Message window or from the Info window?
A: Windows: Highlight the screen name, and press the Delete key. If the screen name is still not deleted, upgrade to the latest version of AIM.

 

Macintosh: Quit AIM, and delete the following file: "System Folder:Preferences:AOL Instant Messenger:Users:AIM Prefs." (This action also loses most of your preferences and any saved passwords.)

 

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Q: Why do I get an error message, indicating one of the names is invalid, when I try to go from the List Setup tab to the Online tab? A: The highlighted screen name probably contains invalid characters. After you click OK to delete the error message, AIM highlights the invalid screen name. Delete or edit the screen name, and then click the Online tab again.   Back to Top

Q: Do my screen names and Buddy List transfer to any new copy of AIM that I install on the same computer?
A: Yes, installing a new copy of AIM on the same computer will retain the Buddy List and preferences for all of your screen names that you have been using on that computer.

 

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