How to communicate with 1997. AOL specifically.

[Conager]

I figured out why AIM is dead. Near as I can tell you cannot sign up for it. Every link I can find for sign-up gives this screen:

Even their error screen looks like a DOS prompt.

Do I need a monochrome monitor?

Seriously, how does one sign up? I do not want to use my Gmail which I only use for financial transactions and it doesn't seem to talk to any other platforms. Nor do I want to log in using FB. I want an actual AIM ID.

I know I know...why would I want to? But I said I would, and how friggin' hard can it be?

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Your could try here...

AIM

They do require you to have a mobile phone in order to signup.

Also...

AOL is still alive and functioning...here.

 

[Conager]

Got the same error message with the link you had. Title of the error is "420 unused." I am pretty sure either they or I have some "420 used" in this transaction somewhere and I don't smell any in my motel room.

AOL is loading painfully slow. I'll try that.

So I see a button that you can log into AOL with Yahoo. Tried that:

Seriously inept.

Of all of the links you want working the "sign up a new customer" one should be kind of a priority.

Having just turned 40, I realize I am getting old and old people can be expected to fail at technology, but I don't think my youthful prospective correspondent is going to buy that I really cannot speak with her on AIM.

 

[Conager]

SO on the AOL main page I click "get a free username" which may or may not allow me to chat, but it also referred to "420 unused"

I am reluctant to use FB, but I shall try that next.


edit... I tried FB it goes to an authentication screen acording to the URL. Blank page...browser says "done."

I think I might be done.

 

[Conager]

Can somebody pretend that they actually want to sign up for AIM and see if it lets you past that screen?

I have tried the motel's wifi and used my phone's hotspot in case that had something to do with it...but no dice.

 

[Conager]

I had to laugh. I just absorbed the full error message. It wants me to contact them to tell them what I might have done to cause the error!

Yeah it is my fault that I click a link in two different brands of browsers and the link does not do what itis supposed to. Gotta be the way I clicked the link no? I was all mouse hovering then I clicked that bitch like a boss!

 

[SweetErika]

Ask your buddy to voice call or chat via Skype, WeChat, or some other platform?

IF they're younger than you, they should have (or easily be able to download) a free aggregated chat program, e.g., Trillian, to use with their AIM info OR use another platform already. I'm 34 and I don't know anyone who's anywhere near my age or younger that still uses AIM/AOL (even as an email address), doesn't have multiple ways to chat/call, etc. Even my 65-year-old, techno-slow mom has Gmail and Skype, plus WeChat on her phone!

 

[Conager]

Ask your buddy to voice call or chat via Skype, WeChat, or some other platform?

IF they're younger than you, they should have (or easily be able to download) a free aggregated chat program, e.g., Trillian, to use with their AIM info OR use another platform already. I'm 34 and I don't know anyone who's anywhere near my age or younger that still uses AIM/AOL (even as an email address), doesn't have multiple ways to chat/call, etc. Even my 65-year-old, techno-slow mom has Gmail and Skype, plus WeChat on her phone!

Apparently, for reasons of security at work, only G-chat and AIM are available and no programs can be loaded. I would think yahoo inside of mail would work.

I have G-mail. Hate it, plus I only use it for e-receipts for financial transactions ...mostly work related travel.

I would rather not give that out and I would rather not try to get another one. Somewhere there is probably the option.

Email is possible and we have done a little of that. I have basically offered that, but It seemed like it should have been nothing but a minor hassle to get AIM, and I did not want to look like I was simply blowing off what is safest for her.

I think it is likely going to be one of those two technological ships passing in the night sorta things.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Got the same error message with the link you had. Title of the error is "420 unused." I am pretty sure either they or I have some "420 used" in this transaction somewhere and I don't smell any in my motel room.

AOL is loading painfully slow. I'll try that.

So I see a button that you can log into AOL with Yahoo. Tried that:

Seriously inept.

Of all of the links you want working the "sign up a new customer" one should be kind of a priority.

Having just turned 40, I realize I am getting old and old people can be expected to fail at technology, but I don't think my youthful prospective correspondent is going to buy that I really cannot speak with her on AIM.

SO on the AOL main page I click "get a free username" which may or may not allow me to chat, but it also referred to "420 unused"

I am reluctant to use FB, but I shall try that next.


edit... I tried FB it goes to an authentication screen acording to the URL. Blank page...browser says "done."

I think I might be done.

It looks like you have a virus of some kind.

The links I provided took me directly to AIM page and AOL page without error.

I was able to join both without problem, except I didn't like having to give them my mobile phone number. I have since deleted both accounts.

 

[jseeks]

You have something blocking you. Is it a work laptop, maybe they have something setup in it that blocks sites like AOL. I clicked Zeb's link and it worked fine. Did not set anything up as I'm not interested in doing so but the link did work.
Just take your friend out to dinner and drinks and chat in person.

Good luck.

 

[silverwhisper]

conager, if it's a work machine, check with your helpdesk since AIM is permitted and it sounds like IT has not given you admin rights on it.

having said that: if you're using a work machine to do non-work things, most employers have an acceptable usage policy that such a use may violate. and chat logs are retained somewhere on the machine.

ed

 

[schism666]

what the hell?