Unable to unarchive “aim.bin”, Installing Aim For Mac Guide

About every few days, someone experiences a few problems with installing Aim 4.7 for Mac. This isn’t entirely your fault but its time to put Aim 4.7 into perspective as to why this happens and what you can do about it. The Error message they receive is:

Unable to unarchive “aim.bin” into “…”

(Error 45 – Operation not supported.)

Aim 4.7: Why you should not install it?

Aim 4.7 is currently the last GM release for Macs. Aim 4.7 was released on February 18th, 2004. Now take a moment to think about what year it is today… Great! Now that we got that squared away. Lets now look at the problems most people have with AIm 4.7

• Aim 4.7 for Mac randomly signs off
• Aim 4.7 for Mac randomly quits while Away.

Aim 4.7: How to Install it?

Well if you still don’t want to heed my warning about installing it, and you receive the message that you are unable to unarchive “aim.bin” or AIM opens the Firefox browser when you run the installer, you can fix this problem by downloading Stuffit Expander.

You can download Stuffit Expander and fill out the information on that site so that you may install Aim 4.7 For Mac that was released in 2004.

What are other ways to install Aim for Mac?

Well I’m glad you made it this far. Fortunately for you there are several programs out there that you can obtain for FREE that were updated in 2008. Here are some of them:

• Aim For Mac Beta: A brand new client for Macs
• iChat: You can also Video Conference
• Adium: The Best Aim Program for Macs

AOL Removes Status and Unsend Button in WebMail

Two quick issues that have been reported this week but I didn’t get time to cover them completely.

Jan 01, 2009
AOL removed the unsend button in Webmail again.

Why were the Status and Unsend buttons Removed

The Status button and Unsend Button are now removed from the AOL Webmail. The AOL Mail blog reported that they had to remove these two features “because of the way these features were implemented, they were preventing us from achieving the best product performance”

Where can I find the Status and Unsend Buttons

They are still located in AOL Desktop and AOL 9.1

AIM Users Furious over Ads in Buddy Info

As Randy Falco, CEO of AOL, gets closer to his dream of making AOL the most profitable advertising network, users were treated with a brand new ad inside the buddy info. These ads now take up a considerable amount of space at the bottom of the buddy info. The window is now stuck at a much larger width than before

This did not set off well with the AIM userbase, as there have been complaints about this new ad system:

“THANK YOU PEOPLE FOR UNDERSTANDING HOW ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS THIS IS!!!  I HATE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO THE BUDDY INFO BOX, I CAN’T STAND IT!! ITS ANNOYING AND POINTLESS AND MAKES THE BUDDY INFO LOOK LIKES ITS NOT ABOUT BUDDY INFO AT ALL” ~DanceStar

“EPIC FAIL FOR AIM.” ~nj

“AIM MANAGEMENT NEEDS TO WAKE UP” ~a concerned mother

” SUCH A SMALL CHANGE AND I WANNA RIP MY EYES OUT >> GET RID OF THE ADS !” ~Robby

“Your actually doing negative advertising for these companies.  SCREW VERIZON…the first company to buy the ad.  I make a point to never buy any product of people you advertise for.  STOP ALREADY.” ~jimmy

As you can see from all those CAPS LOCKS, people are enraged over this! I did notice that there was not much complaints against the text ads AOL placed in the buddy info, maybe they should reconsider implementing that instead.

In other news, AIM has added more integration with AIM profiles by adding a “Profile Buddies” tab in the Buddy Info.

Also Note AimAdHack now removes these Ads.

How to Stop AIM Zones or Aim Dashboard from Popping Up When Windows Starts

A very frequently asked question. Not that its hard to do but I guess people can’t find it? Anyways follow the steps below on how to get rid of Aim Dashboard:

Disable AIM Zones or Aim Dashboard from Popping Up In Internet Explorer

• Open Aim 7
• Click Menu
• Click Settings
• Click Sign In / Sign Out
• Click None
• Click Save

Disable AIM From Starting When Windows Starts

• Open Aim 7
• Click Menu
• Click Settings
• Click Sign In/ Sign Out
• Uncheck Start Aim When Windows Starts
• Click Save

You’ll need to do this to each and every screen name you have on the Sign On screen as its different settings per screen name. And thats all there is to this. If you have a mac, commenter Aaron left instructions for you.

Disable AIM Zones or Dashboard on a Mac

• Click Aim
• Click Preferences
• Uncheck “Show AIM start page when I sign in”

Aim Buddy Updates Box Gone Missing?

Want to remove or delete Buddy Updates from AIM Buddy Info?
Click Here!

Usually, I consider this a bug but it has taken so long to get fixed that now I wonder if its actually a fix.

After upgrading from Aim 6.1 to Aim 6.5 the buddy updates box that shows when your away messages updated has gone missing. 

The buddy updates box now only shows for RSS feeds, Aim Share, and Aim Profiles. However, all update entries still show up at settings.aim.com, just not in the buddy info.

If you want something there to show up, just update your profile, add an rss feed, or even share a link, and the box will come back but only for those entries.

Note: If you add an Aim Share link, there is currently no way to remove it from listing until it expires and that can take a long time.

McLovin12Four on your AIM Buddy List

 

So who is McLovin12Four, and how did he get on your buddy list? McLovin12Four is another Official AIM Bot that advertises for the movie Superbad.

If your buddy list has the category “AIM Bots” you should see him on your buddy list today.

If you do not want to see AIM Bots on your buddy list, delete the category by doing the following.

1. Click to Highlight the Aim Bots Category.

2. Right Click and Press Delete

Aim 6.9: Connection Timed Out Workaround

Connection Timed Out

Periodically throughout the year, AOL’s servers may be down or blocking connections. When this occurs, every time you sign on, you’ll receive the message: 

“Connection Timed Out.”

The details of why a server may be down is never revealed, because of this, only AOL’s staff can fix it.

AOL Staff usually calls this an “AOL HOST ISSUE”. This means it is an internal problem occurring inside of AOL’s facilities.

Since I and everyone else does not work for AOL, its unlikely you’ll be able to do anything to fix it. In the meantime you can comment below whenever you receive this message. If its a big server outage, others will join in and comment about a similar experience.

While a server is down, you may be unable to connect to AIm 6.9, Aim 5.9, Aim Express, AOL.com, and AOL Forums. However, you may have other screen names that can connect. Don’t panic! Some AOL servers may be down while the rest are up. All you can do in the meantime is wait until the server comes back online. You can think of these server outages like a rolling blackout.

Workaround to connect to AIM

Try out these suggestions when you receive this error message:

• Try signing onto another screen name
• Try signing onto another AIM client like Aim 5.9
• Try signing onto another AIM service like Meebo, E-buddy, and others.
• Try checking your firewall if it’s blocking connections to AIM
• Try contacting your IT department to allow connections to AIM

 

How to Stop Aim Invite Messages

Hi We’re Back! So some of you have been receiving messages about some buddy inviting you to their buddy profile. Its not such a terrible thing to do but if you get many invites you might get annoyed. There are two sets of messages, follow the one that pertains to you:

AIM: Hey! Good news! Somebody says they are your buddy and wants you to show up on their AIM Profile.

• Visit Aim Profile Edit
• Uncheck Notify Me Via IM If I have Buddy Requests…
• Click Save!

AIM Pages Invite: Someone has invited you to be a Buddy on their profile. Want to become a part of their network? Find out who it is now.

• Visit My Buddies Settings
• Uncheck Notify me of AIM Pages Buddy Requests

 

Invite or Request Timed Out Error for Aim Chatrooms

History

During the week of November 11, 2007, the first case of this issue popped up where there were numerous complaints of users unable to join AIM Chatrooms. Now in 2009, this issue has not been completely fixed. It affects a small  amount of screen names and may pop up for time to time similar to the connection failed error message.  Unfortunately after two years of waiting for a solution, we will have to place this issue: “Invite or Request Timed Out” as unsolved. Our observations over the past 2 years of this issue occurs when:

• Joining a chatroom using a non official AIM client.
• Joining a chatroom using an official AIM client.

As these two issues contradict each other, the point here is that if one client doesn’t work you use another client. If you can’t join through Aim 7, use Meebo. If you can’t join through Meebo, use Aim 7. If no matter what you do and you still receive this error message, you will have to test out creating a new screen name.

 

Suggested Workarounds

Meebo.com has AIM chatroom capabilities. In order to use chats follow these steps

• Login to Meebo With Your AIM Screen Name
• Click on Start A Group Chat At the Top Right of Buddy List
• Type a Name for the Chat
• Click Join Chat Room

How To Remove Status Messages or Away Messages In The Buddy List from Aim 6.5

Does your Buddy list have extra words below the screen names? Are you tired of seeing what song your buddy is playing?People have asked how they can remove these status messages so here is what you need to do.

 To Remove Status Messages or Away Messages

1. Click View

2. Click Status Messages

 

Now your Buddy List will be clean like in previous versions.

“Orbidden” IMs Fix in Aim

Update November 1, 2007

Orbidden IMs are probably caused by the Translator Plugin but then again things got complicated after it occurred without the translator plugin installed. So lets go over some of the symptoms you are having, there has not been a known fix to people without the translator plugin.

1. Aim Freezes for a more than 20 seconds

2. Every new additional IM you get states "Orbidden"

3. The Hard Drive loads excessively.

This problem is Unsolved and no true fix has been found, you can follow the suggestions below but it may or may not fix your problem.

 

 

It was hinted to a while ago but was hard to find people to test out theories to get back to you quickly. In trying to fix this problem you’ll just have to disable or change the Translation to NONE. This bug usually occurs randomly where every new IM you receive states the message, "Orbidden" .

Suggestion: How to Disable the Translator Plugin if you Recieve "Orbidden" Messages

1. Click on Edit

2. Click On Settings

3. Click on Plugins

4. Uncheck Translator

5. Click Save

There you have it.

Aim 6.5 and Windows Vista, Server execution failed and Media Player Issues

Updated March 21, 2008

F.A.Q

The Story So Far

During a mandatory security update, Aim 6.5.4.16 was released onto the masses. After Windows Vista users updated to the newest version of Aim, a red X in the lower right corner showed the message, “Connection Status Unknown: Server Execution Failed.” Previously this error occurred after a Windows Update, but was later patched by Microsoft. Now, this error message is accompanied by the inability to play Mp3s in both Windows Media Player, and iTunes. Also other issues occurred with Steam Applications which run the games “Half Life 2″ and “Team Fortress 2″ leaving users unable to connect to the servers to download the game.

After a few months a new workarounds were found and supported by other members. Microsoft later released a patch on November 20th, 2007, but it may not fix this problem 100% of the time. When this particular bug became hugely popular, AOL and Microsoft teamed up to fix this problem. Unfortunately not much is known about the status of that fix. However recently AOL has supported the UAC method described below in the list of workarounds. Workarounds suggested by users are highlighted in the comments section in red.

Who Does this Bug Affect?

So far this bug has many different variables on who it affects. For the most part it has affected users who have installed Aim 6.5. In other situations, some users did not install AIM and received this error by installing Mozilla Firefox, or ViewPoint Media Player. The only connection seen so far is that only Windows Vista users are affected. Unfortunately it is not known as to why some Windows Vista users get this bug, although “allegedly” it may be linked to Vista’s UAC controls. We have not received much information on this as it has not been fixed within the Vista SP1 Patch.

How can I Help Find the Cure?

You can help find a cure for Server Execution Failed by posting in this thread. Please read the instructions prior to posting. Whether you have Aim 6.5 or not, you can still post in this thread.

How Can I Fix this problem?

There are four workarounds that will allow you to carry on normal activities but with some side effects. Choose the one thats best for you.

The XP Compatibility Wizard is the newest workaround for this issue. The main purpose is to prevent this bug in the first place by running Aim 6.5′s installer as an XP program.

The System Restore Method is the safest workaround for this issue. The main goal is to restore before Aim 6.5 was installed. If you cannot restore back, you will have to Reinstall Windows Vista using your CD.

The User Account Control Method is the most recommended workaround. By turning User Account Control on, you should in theory be immune to the server execution failed bugs when you install Aim 6.5. During Testing it was found that this method has worked in fixing the problem for example. However it does not work for everyone and so we recommend you try it out at least and post back your results

The Local Service Method is the most riskiest workaround. It will add the Local Service group to Administrators making you highly vulnerable to attacks if your not careful. You should follow this method as a last resort in case you need to backup files before you reinstall the Windows Vista operating System.

The Sound Drivers Method will restore sound and music issues for Windows Vista. You can find the steps to fix this problem by scrolling down to the comments section. It is highlighted in red.

What are the Symptoms for this bug?

1. Vista Displays a Red X saying that its not connected to a Network even though it is.

2. Connection may say “Connection status: unknown. Server execution failed.”

3. WMI Problems or is Corrupted

4. Windows Media Player won’t be able to play Mp3s

5. No sound can be heard from computer

6. Windows Security Center reports errors

7. Windows Security Center may not find your AntiVirus Program

8. No Network Activity is reported even though it exists

9. Windows Zero Configuration Problems

10. Steam Apps from Valve Software (i.e Half Life 2) will not download.

11. Windows Media Player cannot access the file. The file might be in use, you might not have access to the computer where the file is stored, or your proxy settings might not be correct.

12. iTunes stops working.

13. Xbox 360 Streaming Connection To PC does not work.

14. Creative Zen Vision M, or other MP3 players will not connect.

15. I must say this list is freakin long…

XP Compatibility Method

1. Download Aim 6.5 from Aim.com

2. Save the Installation File to your computer where you can retrieve it. DO NOT run this program

3. Click the Start Button, click Control Panel, then click Programs and finally click Use an Older Program with this version of Windows.

4. Click the Radio Button: I Want to Locate this Program Manually. Click Next.

5. Click Browse and locate the Aim 6.5′s installation file.

6. Select Windows XP (Service Pack 2), and click Next.

7. DO NOT Select any Display Options and Click Next.

The System Restore Method

1. Type restore in the Start Menu Search Box

2. Select System Restore

3. Choose a Restore Point before the Installation of Aim 6.5

4. Select a System Restore before Aim 6.5 was Installed

5. Confirm and Restart your Computer.

If you do not have a restore point or disabled system restore.

Reinstall your Windows Vista Operating System

User Account Control Method

The User Account Control suggestion was provided by easydoesit36. You can find his post here.

1. Uninstall Aim 6.5 and Viewpoint Media Player

1. Click Start Button

2. Click Control Panel

3. Click User Accounts & Family Settings

4. Click Turn User Account Control On. [Provide Admin Password]

5. Checkmark “Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer“

6. Click OK

7. Restart Computer

8. Install Aim 6.5

Voila everything turns back to normal!

Local Service Method

This is the Most Riskiest Workaround

Original Solution Modified, but Originally Provided by blueshot

1. Click Start Button

2. Right Click on “Computer”

3. Click Manage

4. Under System Tools Click Users & Groups **STOP**

Solution provided by Silver6477

If your computer does not show Users & Groups Read Below. You may skip this section if you have Users & Groups.

Boot the Computer in Safe Mode!

4a. Click the Start Button

4b. Type “CMD” without quotations

4c. Right click on CMD that shows up and click Run As Administrator

4d. Type the text below:

net localgroup Administrators NT Authority\Local Service /add

If the Code doesn’t work uninstall AIM 6.5 and reboot the Computer and try again

Solution provided by blueshot

5. Click Group

6. Click Administrators

7. Click Add to Group

8. Click Add

9. Click Advanced

10. Click Find Now

11. Double Click Local Service

12. Click OK

NTAuthority/Local Service should show up in the list

13. Click OK, and Close Computer Management and Reboot

You can also try to run CMD as Administrator and type in

net localgroup Administrators /add Local Service

Where Can I Go For Additional Help?

In the meantime you can discuss new methods to fix this problem by clicking on these links below.

[Aim discussion] [Microsoft discussion]

Aim Registration Problems “The service you are trying to reach is temporarily unavailable – please try your requestagain. – 25006″

April 2008 Error Message

The bug has resurfaced if you have attempted to make an underage screen name, or if you repeatedly try to create screen names.

For now you can workaround this bug by either creating a screen name from another website, or changing your IP address, or waiting 48 hours before attempting to make a screen name again. There has been no official announcement from AOL, but according to recent site activity, it seems AOL may attempt to fix it. You can still proceed to create your account at AOL.COM instead until its fixed.

Alternate Websites To Create an AIM Screen Name

• AOL.COM
• AIM Canada
• AIM UK
• MY AOL
• AIM Alternative

 

 

 

 

October 7th Error Message

This version of the bug no longer applies, but it will be left up just in case. Users have reported issues when creating an AIM screen name. Some users who are creating an AIM screen name are greeted with the following error message.

“The service you are trying to reach is temporarily unavailable – please try your requestagain. – 25006″

If you are greeted with this message, it is total ignorance on your part to have your screen name stolen and the loss or suspension of your account. Here’s why:

EZINBuyankina reports that anyone who creates a password that involves any part of their screen name, AOL will mistakenly display that error message. It should actually say that you may not use any part of your screen name as your password.

Here is an example:

Sn: Totallybritneygi

Pw: britney

Since britney is seen in totallybritneygi, you should expect to see the error message. If your using passwords that are easy to figure out, your very likely to get your account stolen and suspended. AOL won’t even help you if your account is stolen so you might as well take the precaution now to create a hard to guess security question [that someone can't ask you] and a hard to guess password.

You can read more of the thread [here]

New: Aim 6 freezing bugs with McAfee Software

A recent update to Mcafee triggered a software glitch in Aim 6.1 through Aim 6.5. Around Monday, AIM 6 users have been reported freezing and disappearing windows. All graphical smileys show up with a red X sifgnifying a missing image. This symptoms occur when all IM sounds suddenly change to the&Windows default beep or a “ding” sound. The advertisements will then show up blank and everything goes completely haywire. One common thread reported by users whom experienced this problem is that they all have McAfee software installed. You can read two threads about it here and here. This affects all versions of AIM 6.x.

How to Fix this Problem

McAfee SiteAdvisor is the root of this problem. Follow the instructions.

Uninstall Site Advisor

• Click Start > Control Panel > Add/Remove
• Select Mcafee Site Advisor, OR Mcafee (Remove) OR Mcafee Security Center.
• Checkmark or Continue the Uninstallation of McAfee Site Advisor.

If Site Advisor became bundled with your purchase of McAfee Security Center, please visit here if you want to reinstall it.

Set up Buddy Aliasing in Aim 6

So you want to change what shows up for your buddy’s screen name in Aim 6.1 but you don’t know how? Read on to find out! First in Aim 6.0 world, we don’t use the term "buddy aliasing" instead we call it a nickname or friendly name. When you change your buddy’s nickname it shows up in quotation marks.

 

 

How to Buddy Alias in Aim 6.0

1. Right Click on a Buddy In your Buddy List

2. Click Edit Buddy

3. At Nickname, type in the Nickname you want.

4. Save!

 

If the Friendly Name Doesn’t Show Up

1. Click View

2. Click Friendly Name

 

Now your done and you can feel ever so guilty forgetting who people are behind their screen names! Shame on you!

 

But Wait! There’s More! Got Plaxo?

If you have set up Plaxo on your buddy list, your imported buddies (from Plaxo) will show up as nicknames, which in most cases you would see your friend’s full name. When you first install and log into AIM 6, Plaxo will pop up asking you to import buddies and if you want to save your Plaxo profile. After you set up Plaxo’s profile, you can then add your friends to your address book and send your address card out to others. You may edit this address card as much as you like. You need to remember three things about nicknames with plaxo

 

1. Whatever you type as your name in Plaxo  shows up on you and your friend’s buddy list.

2. Your buddies must also be using plaxo to see your full name or Plaxo name on their buddy list automatically.

3. Plaxo Stores Information within your Address Book.

Let clarify it further (1.) Names that are set up through plaxo can show up on your friend’s buddy list, as long as he (2.) registers for Plaxo too, and (3.) has added you to his Plaxo address book.

 

This doesn’t mean everyone who adds you to your buddy list will see your full name, this is just for people you have exchanged cards with, and they’ll get an email saying that you updated your address card. You can customize who sees what on your address card, everyone will automatically get your business card so be sure not to add your full name.