Common Questions
What software do I need?
This varies depending on what operating system you're using. Check out the following sections.
Microsoft Windows 95/98/Me
The below content was sourced from KB-00222
Downloading
You will need to download AOL Instant Messenger for Windows at this link: Download Info
Installing
Once AIM is installed, you will need to do the following steps:
Click the Setup button (has an icon with a yellow wrench)
Click the Connection button
Change Host to aim.chivanet.org and verify that Port is 5190
Do NOT select the Connect using proxy checkbox!
Click OK
Click OK
Enter your Screen Name and Password and click Sign On
Microsoft Windows NT/XP/Vista/7
The below content was sourced from KB-00223
Downloading
Download AOL Instant Messenger for Windows (Patched) here: Download Info
Installing
For this version, simply run the install.bat contained within the downloaded ZIP file.
Microsoft Windows 10/11
The below content was sourced from KB-00224
Downloading
Download AOL Instant Messenger for Windows at this link: Download Info
Installing
Install by running the aim513036.exe file you downloaded. After installing, you will need to set compatibility mode to Windows XP SP3 (see https://allthings.how/how-to-run-an-app-in-compatibility-mode-in-windows-11/ for instructions).
Do the following steps BEFORE starting AIM for the first time:
In Windows Explorer, navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\AIM
Delete the file aimapi.dll (DO NOT DELETE ANYTHING ELSE)
Start AIM as normal
Once AIM is installed, you need to configure your connection:
Click the Setup button (has an icon with a yellow wrench)
Click the Connection button
Change Host to aim.chivanet.org and verify that Port is 5190
Do NOT select the Connect using proxy checkbox! Click OK
Click OK
Enter your Screen Name and Password and click Sign On
Sun Solaris (SPARC)
The below content was sourced from KB-00225
Downloading
Download the Gaim client here: Download Info
Installing
Decompress the file with the following command:
# gunzip gaim-0.71-sparc-solaris-pkg.gz
Install the package:
# pkgadd -d gaim-0.71-sparc-solaris-pkg
The following packages are available:
1 BJMgaim Gaim
(sparc) 0.71
Select package(s) you wish to process (or 'all' to process
all packages). (default: all) [?,??,q]: [press ENTER here]
If you get the following output: Do you want to install these conflicting files [y,n,?,q] , press y and ENTER
Once the installation completes, run gaim from the command line
Click the Accounts button at the bottom left of the Gaim login screen (it has an icon depicting a blue book)
Click Add
Enter your screen name and password in the corresponding fields
Click the Show more options arrow under User Options near the bottom of the screen
In the Auth host: field under AIM/ICQ Options , enter aim.chivanet.org
Verify that the Auth port: field reads 5190
Click Save
Back in the window that lists your accounts, click the checkbox in the Online column next to your ChivaNet screen name
Article Info
Feb 18, 2025 8387 times
Revision History
snw on Feb 18, 2025 snw on Feb 10, 2025 snw on Feb 10, 2025 snw on Feb 10, 2025 snw on Feb 10, 2025 snw on Feb 10, 2025 snw on Feb 10, 2025 snw on Feb 10, 2025 snw on Feb 10, 2025 snw on Feb 10, 2025 snw on Feb 9, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025 snw on Jan 28, 2025
BBcode for Linking
BBcode for Transcluding
Last modified Feb 18, 2025
