AIM — connect to PetalTXT

This guide covers the classic Windows AIM client family (AIM 4.x/5.x). For these builds, set the Host and Port to:

• Host: login.petaltxt.me
• Port: 5190

Install

You can run classic AIM on modern systems, including Linux/macOS via compatibility layers.

Windows 10/11

1. Install a classic AIM 5.x build (e.g., 5.9.6089).
2. After install, exit AIM completely (use Task Manager if needed).
3. In C:\Program Files (x86)\AIM:
   • Remove aimapi.dll (prevents updater-related issues on modern Windows).
   • Open aim.exe → Properties → Compatibility → set **Windows XP** compatibility.
4. Launch AIM.

Linux / FreeBSD (Wine)

1. Install Wine for your distro.
2. Run the AIM installer under Wine:

   wine aimsetup.exe

3. Launch AIM via Wine and follow the configuration below.

Screenshot placeholder — AIM running under Wine

macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon)

1. Use a Wine/wrapper approach to run the Windows AIM binaries on macOS.
2. Install, then proceed to configuration.

Screenshot placeholder — AIM on macOS wrapper

Configure AIM

All classic AIM releases share roughly the same path to host/port settings.

1. At the sign-on screen, click Setup.

   Screenshot placeholder — AIM sign-on screen showing “Setup”

2. In Preferences, open Sign On/Off → Connection.

   Screenshot placeholder — Preferences → Sign On/Off → Connection

3. Set:
   • Host: login.petaltxt.me
   • Port: 5190

   Screenshot placeholder — Host/Port dialog

4. Click OK and sign in with your screen name and password.

   Screenshot placeholder — Successful sign-in

Troubleshooting

• Double-check Host = login.petaltxt.me, Port = 5190.
• Windows: ensure aimapi.dll was removed and XP compatibility is set on aim.exe.
• Firewalls/AV: allow aim.exe outbound on TCP/5190.
• If Preferences don’t show the Connection page at first run, proceed until a connection error appears — the Connection Settings button often becomes available afterwards.

What about AIM versions?

This page is a universal starter. We’ll publish version-specific walkthroughs here:

• AIM 4.x (coming soon)
• AIM 5.0–5.1 (coming soon)
• AIM 5.2 (coming soon)
• AIM 5.9 (coming soon)
• AIM Triton (coming soon)

Need help? Email ops@petaltxt.me with your AIM version and OS.