retro-aim-server

Windows AIM 6.x/7.x Client Setup

This guide explains how to install and configure AIM 6.x and 7.x for use with Retro AIM Server.

screenshot of AIM sign-on screen

Installation guides are available for the following versions:

AIM 6.0-6.1 Setup

Installation

  1. Download AIM 6.x (recommended AIM 6.1.46.1) from the NINA wiki.
  2. Run the installer and complete the installation.
  3. Close the AIM application.
  4. Open Task Manager and end the AIM (32 bit) process if it’s still running.

Configure Authentication Mode

AIM 6.x does not expose server settings via the UI. You’ll need to edit configuration files manually.

To switch from the default Kerberos-based auth (AAM/AAMUAS) to BUCP:

  1. Open Notepad as Administrator (Start → type “Notepad” → right-click → Run as Administrator).
  2. In Notepad, go to File → Open.
  3. Navigate to: 
    C:\Program Files (x86)\AIM6\services\im\ver1_14_9_1
  4. Change the file filter to All Files.
  5. Open serviceManifest.xml.

  6. Locate the aol.im.connect.mode and aol.im.connect.mode2 preferences and change them from AAM and AAMUAS to BUCP:

    -<preferenceDefault key="aol.im.connect.mode" scope="identity" type="string">AAM</preferenceDefault>
+<preferenceDefault key="aol.im.connect.mode" scope="identity" type="string">BUCP</preferenceDefault>
-<preferenceDefault key="aol.im.connect.mode2" scope="identity" type="string">AAMUAS</preferenceDefault>
+<preferenceDefault key="aol.im.connect.mode2" scope="identity" type="string">BUCP</preferenceDefault>
  7. Save the file.

Configure Server Hostname

To point the client to your Retro AIM Server:

  1. In Notepad, go to File → Open again.
  2. Navigate to: 
    C:\Program Files (x86)\AIM6\services\imApp\ver6_1_46_1
  3. Set the file filter to All Files.
  4. Open serviceManifest.xml.

  5. Find the aol.aimcc.connect.host.address preference and update it to match the hostname from your OSCAR_ADVERTISED_LISTENERS_PLAIN Retro AIM Server config. For example, if OSCAR_ADVERTISED_LISTENERS_PLAIN=LOCAL://127.0.0.1:5190, use 127.0.0.1.

    -<preferenceDefault key="aol.aimcc.connect.host.address" scope="identity" type="string">login.oscar.aol.com</preferenceDefault>
+<preferenceDefault key="aol.aimcc.connect.host.address" scope="identity" type="string">127.0.0.1</preferenceDefault>
  6. Save the file.

AIM 6.2-7.5 Setup

Installation

  1. Download an AIM 6.x or 7.x client (recommended 6.9.17.2 or 7.5.8.2) from the
    NINA wiki.
  2. Run the installer and complete the installation.
  3. Close the AIM application.
  4. Open Task Manager and end the AIM (32 bit) process if it’s still running.

Install SSL Certificate Database

Install your server’s SSL certificate database generated from the server setup guide or provided by the server operator.

Copy the following files to %APPDATA%\acccore\nss. Note that the nss directory must be created if it does not exist.

Configure Server Hostname

Tell AIM where to connect:

  1. Start AIM.
  2. Open Settings, then go to the Connection tab.
  3. In the Host field, enter the domain name that matches the certificate’s Common Name (CN).
  4. In the Port field, enter 443.
  5. Click Save, then sign in!

Enable Legacy JavaScript Engine (Windows 11 24H2+ Only)

AIM 6.x’s frontend breaks under the new JavaScript engine introduced in Windows 11 24H2. A workaround described by axelsw.it forces Windows to use an older JavaScript engine compatible with AIM 6.x.

⚠️ Downgrading the JavaScript engine is generally a bad idea, as it may expose your system to vulnerabilities fixed in newer engines. Proceed at your own risk!

To implement the workaround, create a .reg file with the following content. Double-click the file in Windows Explorer to apply the change.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]
"JScriptReplacement"=dword:00000000
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