HT2515 Must i have an AIM account to access ichat?

Question

Here's the thing.. I have a valid me.com id. and everytime i try to use iChat, it keeps asking me for an AIM account password.. So i tried to sign up but the problem is that it doesnt recognize my zip code.. Any help?

Answer 1

Hi,
An Apple ID ending in @mac.com and @me.com are also valid AIM Screen Names.
In iChat 6 you go to the iChat Menu > Preferences > Accounts
IN here should be a list with at least Bonjour in it ( and anything you set up in System Preferences > Mail, Contacts and Calendars)
As it is iChat 6 it will accept an iCloud Issued @me.com name.  (these are not accepted by earlier versions - iChat 6 logs in to AIM and to me.com  the extra me.com login allows AIM to "read" the password and earlier version don't do this)
The Password has to be 16 characters or less as this is the Limit at the AIM servers  so you may have to shorten your password.
You can do this via the iForgot portal.
If you wanted an AIM name as well then I believe this Portal/page does not require a Zip code.
To add new Accounts/Screen Name in iChat use the + button at the bottom of that list.
In the new pane you change the top item (its becomes a  Drop down) tio the Account type you want to Add.
(In Messages Beta all names that login to the AIM Server are added under "AIM" And I can't remember what iChat 6 had)
Only add the password if you are confident no-one has access to your computer  (it will ask you each time you login if it is not there)
If it is there iChat will call on it from the Keychain where it is stored.
9:10 PM      Saturday; March 10, 2012
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