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Aim Profiles: Unable to save your changes at this time.

Posted 1 week, 1 day ago at 10:57 am. 2 comments

This issue has been floating around for a couple of weeks now. It has not been addressed by AOL at all. Some users will receive “Unable to save your changes at this time.” error messages when trying to edit their AIM Profiles. This usually occurs when all profile information has been mysteriously deleted.

Workarounds & Fixes

No workarounds to this problem have been discovered yet. If you receive this error message, you can post comments below and we can try to troubleshoot it. If you discover a workaround, please comment below.

Unable to change Private Profile to Public

Also we’ve been receiving reports about users unable to switch between private and public profiles because the options are grayed out. Please keep in mind that until your screen name hits its sixteenth birthday, you will not be able to change it to a public profile.

Aim 6.8 and Aim For Windows Mobile

Posted 2 weeks, 3 days ago at 10:43 am. 0 comments

Aim 6.8

Aim 6.8 was recently went GM a few days ago. Its new features have been covered here already, but as with newer versions, comes new complaints. Most of which deal with the plugins carousel at the bottom of the buddy list.

Aside from that, now that this version adds the ability to save and load buddy lists, it should make it more friendly for Aim 5.9 users who never switched over. The stock ticker might not be back as of yet, but instead it does come with a stocks plugin for current information only.

Aim For Windows Mobile

Oh yes! The mobile revolution has been finally been made. Its been years since we’ve been waiting for mobile applications made directly by AOL with no carrier tie-in. Thus Aim For Windows Mobile has been made for Windows Mobile 5 and Windows Mobile 6.

Aim for Windows Mobile uses your cellphone’s data connection, not SMS messages like Verizon and T-mobile uses. Please make sure you have an unlimited data plan or you may be incurring extra charges per MegaByte.

[via AOL BETA]

New Aim Express 7 with New Aim 6.8 Beta 3

Posted 1 month, 2 weeks ago at 11:19 am. 5 comments

Aim Express 7 Beta has a brand new interface iPhone-like interface. Taking some hints from Meebo, Aim Express now is completely in Adobe Flash. So no more javascript error messages for you! Another big complaint is when AIM Express would pop over all your windows when you receive a new IM. That my friends is no longer an issue in Aim Express 7.

Whats New in Aim Express 7?

Absolutely nothing… Its pretty much as basic as you can get. You can IM, set yourself as away, and add or delete buddies, thats all there is to do.

iPhone-like Interface?

Taking a slice out of the iPhone’s pie, Aim Express 7 has the same slide out visual effect when you open a tab. All IMs now appear on the top as tabs. Each tab you press slides the whole screen to the left just like Safari on the iPhone. With this new interface, it makes you wonder how Aim 7.0 will be.

Aim 6.8 Beta 3

Aim 6.8 Beta 3’s main purpose is to integrate plugin developers with users. AOL has been boasting their API for quite some time. However, plugin developers had a tough time getting the much needed attention they deserved to get users to install their plugins.

With Aim 6.8 Beta 3, the integration is now much more visually apparent. A new ‘Get More’ button straight at the bottom of the buddy list will allow you to see the most downloaded, and most recently updated plugins. It also features a developer highlight which at this time doesn’t seem to be up yet. There is also a much needed slider button for the plugins. This feature seems to be working erratically in this build as I was unable to even slide it up or down.

[Developing Aim with Action Script]

AOL now on SALE, but which company should buy it? (Part 1)

Posted 3 months, 3 weeks ago at 3:34 pm. 1 comment

Time Warner is now deciding what it should do with its AOL venture. Now its time for the fun part. Who should buy AOL? Well lets take a look at each and every company suggested by various users around the internet. This will be split into 3 parts, adding new companies as we go along. 

Time Warner has decided that AOL should be split into two. One part deals mainly with advertising aspects, and the other dealing with community.  

Goal: To keep the AOL + AIM community together as it once was.

The Obvious

AOL + Google

Well personally, I like this idea only because of how Google treats its members. They take a very minimalist approach resulting in less flashy ads and faster loading times. AOL members have been pleading for less ads, but their wishes were never granted.

However, even if we take away those crazy ads, AOL (paying) members do not like change. It pretty much boggles my mind of how they want things to stay the same like it did from 10 years ago. If you change one thing they go crazy and start complaining. As long as Google provide some sort of blog that can address community issues, things might work out  more smoothlyfor them.

Google’s approach may not fare so well with AIM. AIM’s business relies on teens, glitter, and glam. So we’d hope for Google be consistent with AIM’s visual design and services.

 

AOL + Microsoft

Microsoft may do well with AIM members but not so much with AOL members. Microsoft is big on advertising so I would expect to see pretty much no changes in any of the websites AOL owns. AOL (paying) members love guidance and tech support, and Microsoft stance on this has been pretty lapse. Microsoft does work very well with troubleshooting on message boards, so hopefully problems can get sorted out there.

This seems to be the most obvious choice to keep everything running the same way. In fact I prefer this over Microsoft + Yahoo. Google’s reaction towards this would be very interesting. Google and AOL have done some minor cooperative efforts this past year, hopefully they won’t totally cut themselves off from each other.

AOL + Yahoo

I can definitely see Yahoo converting AOL members over to its own platform, which pretty much kills everything. So I’m not entirely liking this prospect at all, unless it becomes Microsoft + AOL + Yahoo. I don’t think Yahoo is mature enough at this point in time to handle two conflicting communities concurrently. Maybe this could have worked years ago when Yahoo was all the rage and Google wasn’t even born yet.

AOL develops another new AIM Client For Mac

Posted 5 months, 3 weeks ago at 3:20 am. 0 comments

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This new client plays catch up to features already existing on Windows. It’s built with AIMCC SDK, and now allows support for plugins (previously a Windows exclusive feature). There seems to be a little discussion about why should AOL develop a new Mac client when iChat does everything. From all the people who post on message boards, there’s still quite a few people who did not know that iChat could use the AIM network. Others have been begging for AOL for years to develop a new Mac application. 

Some feel that AOL has abandoned Macs and left them outside in the cold to fend for themselves. It’s not that they didn’t have alternatives to choose from, there’s still Adium which has been serving the Mac community very well. However, with third party programs, you ultimately realize certain features will never be available to you and you’ll just have to live with it. So with all that in mind, pick the software you feel most comfortable with. You don’t need to worry about what so & so company is making. You can try it out by Downloading it here!

 

Aim 6.5.7.20 Released

Posted 6 months, 2 weeks ago at 11:39 pm. 0 comments

Aim 6.5.7.20 was released this week, and features the ALL NEW… actually nothing really is new, its just bug fixes. It does add a new module called “Hot Searches” which recieved a lukewarm response from the beta testers. I think they didn’t care much for it, quite personally. There are some UI changes to the buddy info and thats about it. All skins on this site will be updated on the weekend, so check back when they are ready.

McLovin12Four on your AIM Buddy List

Posted 6 months, 3 weeks ago at 2:17 pm. 0 comments

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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

Use AIM in GMail

Posted 7 months ago at 1:17 am. 0 comments

Today, Gmail released their first integration with AIM. You can sign into your screen name and it will display your most popular contacts. Gmail will automatically store all conversations so you’ll never lose any logs, it also supports friendly Gmail AIMnames. That’s all there is to it. Its not something spectacular but at least they did something.. and this took over a year to do.. Still there is no way to contact Gmail users using Aim 6.5, and there hasn’t been any news on the plan to completely integrate AIM with Gmail. In unrelated news, AOL plans to roll out a brand new update to their message board system. Almost daily, AOL’s message board system receives very critical responses about their lack of features and their use of annoying advertisements. 

 

AOL Launches New AIM Chatrooms

Posted 7 months, 2 weeks ago at 4:42 pm. 0 comments

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The final integration between AOL and Userplane is finally here. AOL has launched Aim Chatrooms today that can be accessed through chat.aim.com. Each chatroom features audio and video capabilities allowing you to watch up to four people at the same time. Currently there is no way to create any chatrooms but you can however create a small private chatrooms within them.

Aim Chat

I also was able to speak to an AOL Journals staff about what they thought and if there were any plans along the way. She did state that they do plan to add the ability to create your own private chats but was unable to tell us when. She did hint that there will be a few releases before that happens. The chatrooms will be moderated by admins randomly for the time being, each chatroom has a notify AOL feature that will be sent to staff. For now chatrooms are pretty much empty and sparse but that will change once it gets more publicized.

 

Aim 6.5 Skin: Leopard OS X

Posted 7 months, 4 weeks ago at 9:50 pm. 22 comments

 Aim 6.5 Mac Leopard Skin   Mac 10.5 Leopard Skin

Leopard OS X is the default grey theme of Mac OS X 10.5.

F.A.Q

Q. How Do you Unzip or Extract a File?

A. This page teaches you how to extact a file.

 

Q. What version of AIM should I be using and where can I get the right version?

A. This theme currently supports Aim 6.5.12.1, you can get this version at AIM.

 

Download Now!

Download the Leopard OS X Skin

 

Installation: OverWrite

WARNING: These Instructions will remove any custom skins. If you do not want to remove any custom skins please follow the instructions inside the readme file. Please note you should always back up your files incase anything goes wrong.

1. Extract (and select Yes to Replace) themes.box at:

C:\program files\aim6\services\imApp\ver6_5_12_1\theme

2. Extract (and select Yes to Replace) blgadgets.box at:

C:\program files\aim6\services\imApp\ver6_5_12_1\content\bl

3. Extract “leopardosx” folder at:

C:\program files\aim6\services\imApp\ver6_5_12_1\theme

 

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With Leopard OS X Skin completed we move onto our final operating system skin for this pack: Windows XP.

“Orbidden” IMs Fix in Aim

Posted 8 months, 1 week ago at 1:34 pm. 29 comments

aimproblems.jpg

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 6.5.9.1 Fixes Umm..

Posted 8 months, 1 week ago at 6:55 pm. 0 comments

Aim 6.5.9.1 was silently released in response to security vulnerabilities. This does not fix the Aim 6.5 and Windows Vista bug that occurs. Aim 6.8 does not fix this issue either, and has been left unresolved.  You can read more about the server execution failed bug in this recent post

Aim 6.5.9.1 and Windows Vista Users

1. Before installing Aim 6.5.9.1 from Aim.com please turn on Vista’s UAC controls. Instructions are contained in this recent post.

Also skins will be updated at the end of Janurary 08 to work with Aim 6.5.9.1.

Aim Triton Downloads Blocked, Users Cry Foul!

Posted 8 months, 2 weeks ago at 10:14 pm. 0 comments

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Update October 24, 2007

All versions of Aim 6.1, Aim 6.2, and Aim Triton will be blocked in the upcoming months.

Aim Triton was blocked early this week, as AOL forced users to download Aim 6.5. Most AIM Triton users complained about this forceful upgrade and vented their disgust over how complicated 6.5 is.

The surprising part about this whole experience was that there are actual people who want to use AIM Triton. Aim Triton was pretty much labeled the worst version of AIM ever, and it slowly evolved into Aim 6.5 today.

So I was pretty much shocked finding actual supporters of Aim Triton. Since I always upgrade to the latest version of AIM, I really haven’t stuck by with one particular version. I’m always used to waiting a month and a new version comes with new changes. So as we bid a fond adieu to Aim Triton, may it rest in peace. Members share their last words to Aim Triton.

The Following are quotes from Aim Triton Users

 

"We should start a "Bring Back Triton" group on facebook" ~disgruntled

"I agree with everyone on here…AIM 6.5 is terrible. I want Triton back. The thing that bothers me most is when I rest my mouse on a screen name in my Buddy List to see that buddy’s away message, the away message is all smooshed together…it doesn’t show the away message with spacing or anything…that’s not how they wanted it to look!!!!!!!" ~user2

"yea Triton is awesome the new aim sucks alot. too much crap on the dashboard so instead of me just lookin over to see whos on i have to scroll through" ~neverforget

"i can only use stupid 6.5. its so worthless. triton was perfect. 6.0 wasnt bad either. why cant we use it? how do we get triton back?" ~angryuser

"I agree. I’m really upset about this new change and what is worse it says mandatory security update, not a new version change. Very misleading. I want my triton back. " ~upset

"My life was so much easier with Triton and none of this AIM 6 and AIM 6.5 crap. AIM should really consider bringing back all the versions if it wants to continue getting new people. " ~supporter

 

Want to pay your last respects to Aim Triton? [Post Here]

But I’d also like to know why do you dislike Aim 6.5, I don’t really understand… well if your a Vista user I can understand..

Aim 6.5.4.16 launches with Text Ads!? Plus News on Aim Security Exploit!

Posted 9 months, 1 week ago at 12:28 am. 0 comments

Aim 6.5 Nearing Completion

AOL has released Aim 6.5.4.15, this newest version doesn’t add anything major in terms of features, which means Aim 6.5 is very very close to being Gold Master. The most notable new feature is new skins, now there are 20 skins to choose from for both light and dark themes. You can now stream music with Aim Tunes, and other UI edits and enhancements. The Buddy info now displays buddy updates on the side in its own little box. To the left you will see the regular buddy info. Sometimes the buddy updates do not load so the buddy info is displayed in full width. Aim has added the newest annoyance, Text Ads!, but when you think about it, Text Ads aren’t as annoying as music ads. So lets hope AOL decides to remove that large ad box at the top and give us back the buddy list we so desire!

AIM Security Hole

I’ve been asked on the situation of the “AIM Virus” that the major news companies have been reporting. I’ll cover this briefly. According to AOL’s statements, if you have Aim 6.5.4.16, you should be immune to any attacks that rise up. However Aim 6.1, 6.2, Pro, and Aim Lite are still affected. AOL has silently patched these versions for the majority of attacks, however according to the security research findings, these versions are still vulnerable to attacks. It seems AOL wanted to avoid releasing a new version AIM that patches this and just monitor IM streams for suspicious activity. Right now they don’t have any reports if Aim 6.5.4.16 is vulnerable right now. AOL at the time said that the next AIM beta version will patch this hole. Now that Aim 6.5.4.16 has been released, it should be safe to use.  

 

Skins in My Aim?

Well lets thank the developers for not changing the UI so drastically, this time my work converting skins to was less stressful. About 2 new IDs were added and they actually help make dark themes look better. Even though there are 20 skins to choose from, why not have 4 more colors just for fun. As promised, new skins will be on the way, Windows Vista Aero Basic Themes are coming up. Oh and one more thing, 4 more colors just for fun means FOUR MORE COLORS! Now all 4 colors are included in the download, so you can switch between any of them as much as you like. If you need skins, just click the Aim Skins category on the left. As always, check the FAQ for help on what version your supposed to be using.

 

Aim Tunes, Listen and Share Music Through Aim

Posted 9 months, 2 weeks ago at 11:49 pm. 0 comments

Yes, you read right, this is far more than just displaying music in your profile. Some people have asked if there was a way to be able to listen to what your buddy has on their computer, and now you can! The "sharing" of music, lies within its iTunes-like interface. Users can stream but not download any song you have listed. It allows people to listen to any track you have within your music folders, and play them instantly. You can also download a playlist to play it within your own MP3 player as a streamed file. Mind you, this is not the actual downloading of the song, think of it as a personal radio station shared only to your friends.

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Whats really amazing about all of this, is how fast it is to search through your songs. You can type a few letters and it will instantly display within each category. If you want only RAP music, you can type in Rap, and it lists up all the songs within that genre that is rap. You don’t have to always listen to your friends music, you can use it as an organizer for your own music to find songs quicker than your own Mp3 Player.  Maybe AOL should have released this at TechCrunch40!

Download the Aim Tunes Plugin.