Documentation
AIM Express for Windows
Documentation table of contents.
Introduction
AIM Express is a web-based alternative to AOL's Instant Messenger client. AIM Express allows you to use your AOL Instant Messenger account and buddy lists from any computer. You can use AIM Express to chat with family, friends, and anyone else in the world using AIM without downloading the full client. You can also use AIM Express to send reference questions to the librarians at the Undergraduate Library.
Note
When obtaining updates from Windows Update, you must use Internet Explorer.
To use AIM Express in Windows XP, you will need to install Service Pack 2 or later from the Windows Update site, located at http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp. This is a free download; however, it may take some time to install. Follow the directions on the site and reboot your computer after the update process is complete.
Using AIM Express
- If you are obtaining AIM Express from the UB Tech Tools 2006 CD, continue to step 3. Otherwise, visit the UB Tech Tools Software Downloads page at http://wings.buffalo.edu/computing/software.
- Click Email & Chat Tools under the Windows heading on the left sidebar, then click AIM Express.
- Click Get AIM Express.
- Click the Start button in the center of the page to launch AIM
Express.
- If your browser does not meet the stated requirements for AIM Express, and AIM Express fails to load, updated versions are available from the UB Tech Tools Software Downloads page or the UB Tech Tools 2006 CD. You may also need to disable pop-up blocking to begin using AIM Express.
- If you have a previously-registered screen name
for AOL or AOL Instant Messenger, enter your Screen Name and Password
into the appropriate fields, click Sign On,
then proceed to Step 9.
To register a new AIM account, click
Create one FREE now.
- Enter your desired screen name and password for your new
AIM account. Some fields will have instructions below them elaborating upon what to enter. At the bottom of the page, you will be asked to type random letters and numbers that appear in an image to ensure that an actual person, rather than a computer, is attempting to register with AOL. Enter the word into the field labeled Enter the characters in the image below without any spaces, then click Submit.
- If you entered any incorrect data, or data already in use (such as an existing screen name or email address), you will need to repeat the above process as many times as is necessary. When the Congratulations window appears, your registration is complete. Click Continue, then continue to step 10.
- Enter your AIM Screen Name and Password, then click Sign
On.
- The AIM Express client will open. The client functions in much the same way as a standard downloaded AIM client. For more information about using this
client, click Help, then select AIM Express Help for a browsable list of AIM Express information.
Ending Your AIM Session
To end your AIM Express session, close the AIM window by clicking the red X in the upper right-hand corner of the AIM Express client. A window will appear, asking whether you want to sign out of the AOL Network, or just AIM Express. Choose which option you want to use, then click OK.
