Posted 1 year, 2 months ago at 9:02 PM. 3 comments

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.
Posted 1 year, 2 months ago at 2:01 AM. 0 comments
Adsense added a new feature to their advertisement platform that now allows you to set up an ad template. You can change the colors, the corners, and the format (text and images) while still at the site. What it does not do is allow you to change the size of the ad, you’ll have to create a new ad template each time you want a new size. This is great and all, but the referral ad platform needs some serious work. One of the most annoying things about Adsense Referrals is the inability to save a bunch of ads into one unit. Each time you add or subtract your ad, you get a brand new code and will have to paste the code to your template each time. I can easily do this in Commission Junction and take out any ads without repasting the code. Referalls also do not have the curved corners, so the ads look pretty cramped trying to fit inside the block.
Posted 1 year, 2 months ago at 2:39 AM. 7 comments
Aim 6.5 Skin: OS X Leopard
= Download This Skin =
So anyway the skin will be included in an OS pack which will include, Windows Vista, OS X Leopard, and Windows XP skin. If you have any OS skin requests speak now or forever hold your peace!
AIM OS Skin Pack:
–Windows Vista Basic [Blue] + Windows Vista [Black]
–OS X Leopard [Frost] + OS X Leopard [Grey]
–Windows XP Royal Blue
Posted 1 year, 2 months ago at 5:49 PM. 0 comments

Lets play the commen sense roulette and explain what this means to any of you publishers out there wishing to sell music or audiobooks on Emusic, and others.
Digital Rights Management - Free
Penguin Audio recently listed their audiobooks to be sold on Emusic. Emusic is known for selling music without Digital Rights Management. After you purchase a song you are free to put it in whatever music player you want to. Your even able to send music to your friends and file share them to others (although Emusic does not advocate you to do this). Thats the whole freedom of selling Mp3s. Its already apparrent that music from the Electronic Genres have been selling Mp3s for years and are even selling them directly from their own webpages without a label. As with Radiohead, and others, as a musician you might no longer need to have a label to promote your music. I mean its going to be tough to get people to buy it, but thats what concerts are for.
Sweatin’ to Books on Tape
Penguin Audio also sells audiobooks on iTunes, which sells most music under Digital Rights Management. This means you can only listen to it from the computer or iPod you bought it from. Companies can restrict the license even further to allow you to listen to a song for a few times a month (Windows Media Audio files protected with Digital Rights Management have been known to do this in the past). So why in the world did Penguin Audio agree to sell their own audiobooks? Without digital rights management, anyone can do whatever they want with their files after they purchase it. Whats even more weird is that they didn’t find any pirated files, but suddenly they are "concerned about piracy." Not that the audiobook piracy market is big anyways, who would want to bring Tuesdays With Morrie to the gym anyway?
Posted 1 year, 2 months 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, 2 months 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.
Posted 1 year, 2 months ago at 1:50 PM. 19 comments

This is sometimes the most annoying thing about Quicktime. You set it’s file associations not to play Mp3s yet someway somehow it still plays it. The other annoying thing is that it takes over MP3 association everytime you reinstall it. So lets disable quicktime from playing Mp3s one more time!
Restoring MP3 Associations
1. Open Windows Media Player
2. Press ALT+T and Click Options
3. Click File Types
4. Check Mark Mp3 and Click OK
5. Close Internet Explorer and Reopen it.
Removing Quicktime Association
1. Open Quicktime in Start > Programs > Quicktime
2. Click Edit > Preferences > Quicktime Preferences
3. Click [File Types] Tab and Uncheck MP3
4. Click [Browser] Tab
5. Click MIME Settings, and Uncheck MP3
6. Click OK Twice
Setting Default Associations
1. Click On Start > Set Program Access And Defaults
2. Click Custom and Scroll Down to Default Media Player
3. Choose a Default Media Player like Winamp
4. Press OK
You can check to make sure it works.
Also note that you can reassociate your original Mp3 Player. If your using Winamp, it will automatically associate with Mp3s as soon as you open it. This will allow you to now Open or Save an Mp3 when you click on an mp3 link.
Posted 1 year, 2 months ago at 4:10 PM. 0 comments
After the fallout between MTV and Microsoft; Urge + MTV + RealNetworks teamed up to create the huge mega partnership with the Rhapsody brand. Previously Rhapsody was created exclusively by RealNetworks to distribute DRM music to MP3 Players that supported Microsoft’s PlayforSure Brand. Rhapsody wasn’t really much of a hot property and it felt like they were just giving it away for free when you joined a Cable TV Network. It seems after years of waiting, their commercials are finally broadcasting on TV as they promote new albums from mainstream artists. Now they are offering DRM-Free tracks from Universal Music Group as long as you download the Rhapsody Player.
The DRM-Free tracks are only limited to Universal and are only available up until Janurary. Current TV commercial spots include Jennifer Lopez, and of course 50 Cent. After Janurary, no one from Universal has announced what is going to happen, but in the end we hope they and other record labels spread DRM Free tracks to other music companies. Its unfortunate that RealNetworks require you to download their software to purchase their music, as other companies like Emusic and Amazon Mp3 store do not require you to do so.
Posted 1 year, 2 months ago at 7:48 PM. 0 comments
There is a new security exploit in Realplayer, users should be advised to uninstall or disable ActiveX in order to stay safe from the attack. An iframe exploit has been served on legit sites by advertising through a banner ad. During the day the methods to disable RealPlayer will be shown here until Real Networks provides an emergency patch. This affects Internet Explorer but does not affect Mozilla Firefox.
How to Uninstall Realplayer:
1. Click Start
2. Click Control Panel
3. Click Add / Remove Programs
4. Click RealPlayer and continue Uninstallation
Posted 1 year, 2 months ago at 10:14 PM. 0 comments

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..
Posted 1 year, 3 months ago at 12:46 PM. 14 comments

Vista Basic Theme is the default blue theme of Windows Vista Basic.
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 6.8, you can get this version at AIM.
Download Now!
Download is available OS Skin Pack
- also check out -
Leapord Edition Icons
== 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_8_14_6\theme
2. Extract (and select Yes to Replace) blgadgets.box at:
C:\program files\aim6\services\imApp\ver6_8_14_6\content\bl
3. Extract “aimxp” and “leopardosx” and “vistabasic” folders at:
C:\program files\aim6\services\imApp\ver6_8_14_6\theme

Posted 1 year, 3 months ago at 2:08 PM. 71 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, 3 months ago at 1:19 PM. 60 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, 3 months 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.
Posted 1 year, 3 months ago at 1:55 AM. 0 comments
Myspace has just launched a mobile wap version of their site which you can use at http://mobile.myspace.com from your cellphone. You can look up new friend requests, send messages, and read their profile.
This works on any cellphone carrier in the U.S as long as you have a mobile web browser also known as WAP. For now, photos are not showing up for some reason, maybe its a bit too early?