Why can't I access preferences or account settings for iChat

Question

Let me start by saying I'm a newbie. I would like to use iChat. I set up a .mac account, a Google/Gmail account and an AIM account.
However, I cannot seem to log-in or use iChat using any of the accounts. I get to the Account Set Up page, enter the log-in info, get to the "Encrypted Chat" window, but cannot see any "Done" button that iChat says I have to select to start using iChat. Nor can I access any of the iChat account settings or preferences.
It doesn't matter if I'm on my wireless network (linksys WRt54G) or connected via ethernet. My firewall settings in System Preferences is open.
What am I doing wrong?
thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Hi,
Welcome to the    Discussions
I am a bit confused as to what stage you are up to.
I think it is the difference in the words you had used (and where you have used them) compared to how I tend to think about iChat
I would like to use iChat. I set up a .mac account, a Google/Gmail account and an AIM account.
I take this means that you have Registered Screen Names at the required places.
I get to the Account Set Up page, enter the log-in info, get to the "Encrypted Chat" window, but cannot see any "Done" button that iChat says I have to select to start using iChat.
I am therefore assuming this mean you are stuck in the Start Up Screens ?
Start Up Screens
You get a Welcome Screen First
A place to Add ("set up" in my speak) an AIM or Apple Screen name. It has a place to Add your First Name Last name details - which may be pre-filled from the Address Book.
This pic is from iChat 4 but should be the same in iChat 5
You need to use the middle Drop down to select which type of account you are using/setting Up.
The option to Enable Bonjour Chats is the next screen followed by the option to Set Up Jabber (Or Google) IDs
In iChat 5 there are optional items under the Text Fields to set up Server Names if different to the ending of your Jabber ID and the Server Port to use.
This is followed by a Video Snapshot option/Preview of Video Screen.
The Last is the Done Screen which tends to list the Names you are setting up.
If I have summarised correctly this is where you have got to then Open the Folder with the Little House iCon (Hard Drive/Users/(your account)
In here then open the Library one and the Preferences one in there.
Use either List View or CoverFlow (Also a List) an find anything that starts com.apple.ichat..... and ends .plist and drag it to the Trash.
Try setting up just one Name (You can add more in iChat Later).
If that does not work can you click though all the screen without adding any details at all ?
Longer version of this here http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/versions/ichatvers4/howtoStartiChat.html
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9:59 PM Tuesday; November 9, 2010
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