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Posted 11 months, 2 weeks ago at 1:34 pm. 29 comments

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.
Posted 1 year ago at 2:08 pm. 68 comments

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]
Posted 1 year ago at 1:19 pm. 59 comments

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
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]
Posted 1 year ago at 12:09 am. 26 comments
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.
Posted 1 year, 1 month ago at 12:46 am. 2 comments
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.
Posted 1 year, 2 months ago at 12:33 pm. 21 comments
Update
Janurary 11, 2008
Aim Music Link now supports the newest version of iTunes. Download Here
Aim Music Link has been recently updated! Aim Music Link allows you to show music that you are playing in your buddy info profile, and status message. It comes with the option to let users be able to purchase the song if available on iTunes. Additionally it now has a log feature that displays the songs you’ve recently played.
If you have Problems with Music Link, Follow the Steps Below
1. Download Aim 6.5
2. Download Music Link Plugin
After you re-install both, your music problems should be gone!
Posted 1 year, 2 months ago at 4:04 pm. 6 comments

Aim Wimzi is now on Facebook. Follow the instructions below!
Official Wimzi Application
The Official Aim Wimzi Application is now setup at Facebook
Customized Wimzi Application
Customize your Aim Wimzi with your own graphics here!
1. Copy and Paste the Following Code below into your Facebook HTML BOX.
<fb:swf swfsrc="YOUR KEY GOES HERE" width=190 height=275 imgsrc="http://i13.tinypic.com/4uxcsd4.jpg"/>
2. Go to Aim Wimzi
3. Click No for Location Check
4. Click Code
5. Choose Flash
6. Copy and Paste Your Embed Code in Notepad
The Screenshot below shows what you should be highlighting.

http://o.aolcdn.com/aim/web-aim/wimzi.swf?appKey=12345678s&theme=morningmist
7. COPY the Highlighted text
8. On Facebook, PASTE the text over where it says: YOUR KEY GOES HERE
9. Now Save and your done!
In Facebook, your code should look similar to this.
<fb:swf swfsrc="http://o.aolcdn.com/aim/web-aim/wimzi.swf?appKey=12345678&theme=morningmists" width=190 height=275 imgsrc=" http://i13.tinypic.com/4uxcsd4.jpg" />
Thanks to aniarkanityinc@aim.com for the tip.
Continue Reading…
Posted 1 year, 3 months ago at 2:40 pm. 9 comments
So your one of the few people who can’t download AIM because your at school, or work, or you just don’t know how to. You can still edit your buddy info without downloading anything. Here’s how to do it.
How to Edit Buddy Info [Meebo Method]
–Sign in your AIM Screen name at Meebo.com
–Click on Your Screen Name at the left
–Click Set Profile
–Type Your Profile.
How to Edit Buddy Info with [Aim 6.0 6.1 6.2]
–Click Edit
–Click My Buddy Info
–Type your Buddy Info
–Save!
How to Edit Buddy Info with [Aim 5.9]
–Click My Aim
–Click Edit Profile
–Type your Profile
–Save!
How to Edit Buddy Info on a Mac
–Download iChat
–Download iProfile [*Note: Doesn't work with OSX Tiger]
–Download Adium
Posted 1 year, 3 months ago at 10:26 pm. 49 comments
Some people might not like the screen name colors in Aim 6, and may want it to be red and blue, or blue and green. Here’s a quick guide on how to change the colors of your screen name and to change the colors of other people’s screen name.
To change Your Screen Name colors in Aim 6
Navigate to the directory below. Depending on your Version of Aim. If you can’t find it, upgrade to the latest version of aim at aim.com
Please note that # represents your AIM version. You must manually locate this directory through Windows Explorer. Simply copying and pasting the path below will not work. The path below applies to any Aim 6 version, including Aim 6.8 and Aim 6.9.
C:\Program Files\AIM6\services\
imApp\ver6_#_#_#\content\im\default.css
- Open the default.css file in C:\windows\notepad.exe
- Scroll down to .localname
- Next You will have to Find an HTML Color Value to input.
- Visit Colors, and select a color.
- Notice the 6 digit code combination at the top.
- This Code is what you will type under local name.
.localName {
font:12px Arial;
color:#D73306;
}
- Highlight over the Color Code. In this example it is #D73306
- Type the Color Code from the Website that you chose.
- Put a ‘#’ before the code and make sure there is a ‘;’ after your code
.localName {
font:12px Arial;
color:#000000;
}
To Change the Screen Name Color of the person you IM.
In default.css find any .remote name
.remoteName0 {
font:12px Arial;
color:#0F0595;
}
- Change the color by inserting a color value just like you did above.
Other .remoteName deal with the color of screen names in chatrooms. You can change any of these screen name colors the same way you did before. These colors will be given to people at random so do not expect to see much changes unless you drastically changed them all.
Posted 1 year, 3 months ago at 12:55 pm. 77 comments
Is AOL Going to Suspend Your Screen Name If Its Not Active?
If your on a Sidekick and your friends have told you that if you don’t send a certain message to 20 people your screen name would get suspended. Please click here!
What Does it Mean When Your Aim Account Is Suspended?
When your Aim Account is suspended, you will not be able to sign into AIM at all and will be blocked from receiving email. Unfortunately the chances of getting your account reinstated and turn back on is slim and for the most part, people never get it turned back on. Recently however, AOL has been sending out emails when your account gets suspended so that you are informed before attempting to sign on.
Can I Unsuspend My Account?
Unsuspending an account is very rare, and doesn’t happen very often, but its not impossible. Paid AOL screen names can restore service by calling AOL and someone will be able to inform you as to why your account was suspended.
Suggestions
One of my commenters, ikeism, gave a tip on how to reinstate your Aim account if it gets suspended for no reason. Aim accounts appear to get suspended for seemingly no reasons at all. Its suspected your account may be comprimised and used to send spam, although I believe someone with access is deliberately suspended accounts. ikeism suggested you call AOL at (800) 827-3338 and choose the option that you want to sign up for a AOL. When you get connected to customer support, tell them that your willing to pay to get your account back on. They will look into why it got suspended and then reactivate you. They gave another number 888-758-0297 that you can call if your screen names were to get suspended again.
If you find other legit ways of unsuspending screen names please comment below.
Posted 1 year, 4 months ago at 7:58 pm. 6 comments
The most issues people have with AimExpress is the Popup Blocker message. Follow the workarounds in this post in order to fix this problem. After you have tried each and every workaround and it still doesn’t work please post a comment for additional assistance.
Below is a series of Workarounds for the following message:
You have successfully logged into Aim Express. However, we are unable to launch your Buddy List because you have Popup blocking enabled. Please disable the Popup blocker or add the *.aimexpress.aol.com and aimexpress.aol.com domain to the allowed white list.
Workaround #1
Start Internet Explorer
–Press ALT+T
–Click Internet Options
–Click Privacy
–Click Settings
Type the following addresses one by one
*.aim.com
*.aol.com
*.aimexpress.aol.com
*.aimexpress.aim.com
aimexpress.aol.com
–Set Popup Blocker to Medium and your done
–Close the Browser and Restart Internet Explorer
Workaround #2
Head to aimexpress.aol.com and hold CTRL the entire time until the buddy list Pops Up.
Workaround #3
Open Mozilla Firefox 2.0
–Press ALT+T
–Click Options
–Click Content
–Click on Exceptions to the right of Block Popups
Type and Allow the following addresses one by one:
*.aim.com
*.aol.com
*.aimexpress.aol.com
*.aimexpress.aim.com
aimexpress.aol.com
Workaround #4
Sign in at beta.webmail.aol.com OR meebo.com OR ebuddy.com OR meetro.com
I personally recommend meebo.com, if you sign up it will also log conversations.
beta.webmail.aol.com has AIM on the right sidebar.
If you have tried all 3 Workarounds and don’t want to use sites like Meebo.com to sign onto Aim, read the extra information below.
1. Do you have Anti-Virus installed?
Check your Anti-Virus firewall to see if its blocking popups or websites. Disable your Anti-Virus all together and test if Aim Express loads up. If it works, then your Anti-Virus is blocking the Aim Express website and you will have to consult your owner’s manual on how to allow popups for certain sites. This also include anti-spyware and other applications that are made to protect your computer from spyware.
2. Do you have toolbars installed?
You might have the Google Toolbar installed and it may be blocking popups. Please be sure to disable the popup blocker in Google Toolbar and try again. If you have other toolbars in IE, press ALT+V and Click Toolbars. Check and make sure that these toolbars have their popup blocker disabled or you can also uninstall the toolbar. Every major toolbar for Internet Explorer including AOL, Google, and Yahoo, have a popup blocker.
3. Do you have Javascript Disabled?
Sometimes Aim Express will popup successfully but Aim Express will not load the buddy list. If you have disabled scripts or your under a user account with the least amount of privileges, Aim Express will fail to load the javascript neccessary to launch it. Make sure you disable any script blocking programs and extensions in your browser and try again.
Thanks For Reading!
– Help Support this Site By Donating with Paypal! –
Posted 1 year, 4 months ago at 5:23 pm. 40 comments

New Workaround Found
Updated: August 20, 2008
You can try the suggestion provided by Botched.
File Name: template.html
*************************************************************
C O P Y R I G H T A N D C O N F I D E N T I A L I T Y N O T I C E *********************************************************** Copyright (c) 2007 AOL LLC. All rights reserved.* This software contains valuable confidential and proprietary* information of AOL LLC. and is subject to applicable* licensing agreements. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or* distribution of this file and its contents is a violation of* applicable laws.** A O L C O N F I D E N T I A L
***********************************************************
Workaround Suggested By Botched
Please follow the steps in order as they appear below:
- 1) Manually Locate the folder:
C:\Program Files\AIM6\services\imApp\ver6_#_#_#\content\im
Note that ver6_#_#_# represents your version number of AIM. It will change each time you upgrade AIM. Simply copying and pasting this path into Windows Explorer will not work.
You must manually go to this folder starting with “My Computer” for Windows XP or “Computer” for Windows Vista. Click on your C:\ Drive and then Click Program Files, and follow the path as it is displayed above.
- 2) Right Click Template.html (icon should be a page with an e)
- 3) Click Properties
- 3) Click Change
- 4) Select Notepad
- 5) Click OK Twice
Workaround #2 by Spork
- 1) Start Internet Explorer
- if it’s IE7, hit the ALT key
- 2) Click on Tools
- 3) Click on Internet Options
- 4) Click on the Advanced Tab
- 5) Click on the Reset button
If you’re running an older version then IE7, maybe click on Restore Defaults button.
Posted 1 year, 4 months ago at 1:04 pm. 0 comments

Recently there’s been a flurry of questions regarding parental controls for Aim. So lets go through some different ways you can actually block or limit access to Aim. I’m sure your kids will hate you.
Continue Reading…
Posted 1 year, 5 months ago at 1:36 pm. 36 comments
Not many issues arise with Weeworld Icons but they still persist. Support for this product is scarce and often times hard to find. So here’s a little breakdown on how to fix some of the problems you might have.
How to create an Aim WeeWorld Icon
–Navigate to the Website Aim.Weeworld.com
–Follow the Steps, when your done push Finish.
–After you choose your background you MUST push APPLY
–You will be redirected and it will be applied as your icon.
Lets briefly explain the problems that users have with Aim Weeworld. First and foremost you must install Adobe Flash in order for it to work. You can download Adobe Flash and click Get Adobe Flash Player. If you tell your browser to block flash scripts it will not load. Also, Aim Weeworld uses Javascript, so you must also be able to run Javascript to let things work correctly.
Keep this in mind, Aim Weeworld Updates around a major holiday or month. This is when the majority of issues arise as your icon gets reset to something else. For instance, my icon gets reset to a man holding a baseball. You can still fix your icon several ways.
Changing Icon back to WeeWorld Icon.
–Simply navigate to Aim.Weeworld.com
–Go Through Each Step and reselect the same features.
–Click Finish and Click APPLY.
Now if this worked correctly your icon should change back to your Weemee, but some of you will see your icon show up blank or with a red X. Resetting the icon is the only option.
Resetting your Weeworld Icon
–In Aim 6 series, click Edit > Expressions
–Under your Buddy Icon Click Reset
–Under your Buddy Wallpaper Click Reset
–Save
–Navigate to Aim Weeworld again
–Go through the steps again re-applying
–Click Finish and click APPLY
This should reset your icon to a weeworld icon. Unfortunately there are more issues.
Can’t See Weemee Icon
Install Adobe Flash at Adobe.com. Install Viewpoint Media Player at Viewpoint.com and Restart AIM.
Aim 5.9, Trillian, Adium, Aim Express, and Aim for Mac will not see interactive weemee icons.
New Colors are Bad!
Another scenario for your weeworld icon is when a new color gets added to the pallete. This doesn’t seem to affect skin color, but it does affect clothing colors and hats. Now some of you will just see a new color on your weeworld, while others will get their icon reset again. Here we’ll have to go through each and every step that applies to colors, and select the original color you had for that particular clothing. After your done click Finish and Apply! If it doesn’t work you’ll have to start from scratch and click “The Basics 1-4″, and redo everything again in addition to resetting your Icon.
Weemee shows Green Eyes bug! [NEW!]
If your weemee shows Green eyes instead of the color you chose, you may have to start over on creating it again at the first step. If the problem still persists contact Weeworld Headquarters about this bug, and ask them to fix it.
Posted 1 year, 7 months ago at 3:00 pm. 127 comments

I’m not sure why this is the most frequently asked question. You can sign on 2 or more screen names by doing these simple steps. This method works in Aim 6.x series only. Aim 5.9 has different steps. Mac Aim 4.7 users will not be able to link screen names. Please read the last paragraph on which program you should get. Continue Reading…