Using AIM on Windows

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Windows is the most popular computer platform and, not surprisingly, the most popular platform for AIM as well. If you've installed the latest AIM software for Windows, you have access to all the newest features. Learn more from the questions and answers below.

More Windows:

FAQ about Automatic Operations

• How do I stop AIM from starting automatically when I start my computer?

• How do I stop AIM from sending automatic responses to other users? When I have not been active for a while and someone sends me an instant message, my computer automatically responds to the other person with an "auto-response" message, even though I have not set my Away option.

• How do I keep my Buddy List groups from expanding automatically every time I sign on?

• What should I do if my Away message is not being sent out when I set myself as Away?

	Q: How do I stop AIM from starting automatically when I start my computer?
	A:	Select the My AIM menu, click Options, and click Edit Preferences. Click the General tab, and uncheck Start AIM when Windows starts.
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	Q: How do I stop AIM from sending automatic responses to other users? When I have not been active for a while and someone sends me an instant message, my computer automatically responds to the other person with an "auto-response" message, even though I have not set my Away option.
	A:	Go to the Away tab in Preferences, and uncheck Auto respond with message in the "When idle" section.
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Q: How do I keep my Buddy List groups from expanding automatically every time I sign on?

You must modify a registry key using the Windows Registry Editor program.

WARNING: You can cause Windows to stop functioning if you make a mistake in the Registry Editor program. If you need assistance, find someone who is familiar with the program to help you. AOL cannot be responsible for any damage you do to your computer.

To modify the registry key, follow these steps:

1. Exit AIM.
2. From the Start menu, launch regedit from the Run dialog box.
3. Browse to the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\America Online\AOL Instant Messenger (TM)\CurrentVersion\Users\Your_Screen_Name\Buddy
4. Right-click Buddy.
5. Click New, and select DWORD Value.
6. A new item appears on the right side of the Registry Editor window. For the name of this new item, type: AutoExpandGroups
7. Press the Enter key to save the "AutoExpandGroups" name, and then exit the Registry Editor.

You're done. Now when you collapse any of your groups, they should still be collapsed when you sign on again.

	Q: What should I do if my Away message is not being sent out when I set myself as Away?
	A:	Check your Away Preference settings, and make sure that you have the Auto respond and insert in personal profile option enabled.
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