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 Others

• Can I use AIM with WebTV?

• When I use AIM for several hours, why do all my buttons turn black?

• What should I do when one of my AIM windows always opens off the screen?

• There is a problem with the size of one of my AIM windows. I can't fix it,
and installing the very latest AIM client doesn't help.

• Why do I get strange error messages when I try to install AIM?

• Is there a keyboard shortcut to exit AIM completely?

• Why does AIM crash with Windows 98 when I'm using a dual-monitor machine?

	Q: Can I use AIM with WebTV?
	A:	No, this feature is not available at this time.
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	Q: When I use AIM for several hours, why do all my buttons turn black?
	A:	This is usually due to low random access memory (RAM) in your computer. Close all applications and restart AIM. If that doesn't restore your correct button colors, restart your PC.
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Q: What should I do when one of my AIM windows always opens off the screen?

When the window opens off the screen, do the following:

1. Press Alt+Spacebar once to open the Control menu at the top-left of the window.
2. Press the M key once to select Move.
3. Use your arrow keys to move the window into the middle of the screen. You see only the outline being moved.
4. When the outline is in the location you want, press Enter.
5. Download the latest version of AIM.

Q: There is a problem with the size of one of my AIM windows. I can't fix it, and installing the very latest AIM client doesn't help.

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\WindowPos
4. Right-click on WindowPos
5. Click Delete.
6. Choose Yes on the confirmation dialog that appears.

You're done. Now when you restart AIM, all of the window sizes and positions will be restored to their default values.

	Q: Why do I get strange error messages when I try to install AIM?
	A:	Your copy of the AIM Installer probably was not transferred completely when you downloaded it. Try downloading the AIM Installer again.
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	Q: Is there a keyboard shortcut to exit AIM completely?
	A:	Yes. When the Buddy List or Sign On window is the active window, press Ctrl+Shift+F4. You can also choose Exit from the AIM system tray menu.
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	Q: Why does AIM crash with Windows 98 when I'm using a dual-monitor machine?
	A:	Download the latest display drivers for both of your video cards.
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