# 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 **Open OSCAR Server**.
Installation guides are available for the following versions:
- [AIM 6.0-6.1](#aim-60-61-setup) (BUCP auth)
- [AIM 6.2-7.5](#aim-62-75-setup) (Kerberos auth)
## AIM 6.0-6.1 Setup
### Installation
1. Download AIM 6.x (recommended **AIM 6.1.46.1**) from
[oldversion.com](http://www.oldversion.com/windows/aol-instant-messenger/).
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`:
```diff
-AAM
+BUCP
-AAMUAS
+BUCP
```
7. Save the file.
### Configure Server Hostname
To point the client to your Open OSCAR 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` Open OSCAR Server config. For example, if
`OSCAR_ADVERTISED_LISTENERS_PLAIN=LOCAL://127.0.0.1:5190`, use `127.0.0.1`.
```diff
-login.oscar.aol.com
+127.0.0.1
```
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
[oldversion.com](http://www.oldversion.com/windows/aol-instant-messenger/)
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](DOCKER.md) 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.
- `cert8.db`
- `key3.db`
- `secmod.db`
### 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](https://www.axelsw.it/pwiki/index.php/JScript_Windows11) 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
```