Q: If I have a screen name with both NIM and Netscape, can I be signed on to both at once?
A: Yes; however, you will receive your instant messages through AOL or CompuServe. Also, the "Away message" won't work unless you sign off of AOL or Compuserve.

Back to Top

Q: Why can't I send an instant message to an AOL user who is displayed in my Buddy List? When I try to do this, I receive a message that the person is not online.
A: AOL users have a feature that let them block all incoming instant messages but still be seen in Buddy Lists. It is possible that the AOL user has blocked all instant messages or blocked all instant messages from you.

Back to Top

Q: Why do I get my instant messages in AOL instead of NIM when I'm online with both AOL and NIM?
A: This feature is intentional. If you want to receive your instant messages only in NIM, you can use a different screen name for NIM than the one you are using with AOL.

Alternatively, you can choose to block all users on AOL, so that Instant Messages will be sent to NIM instead of AOL. Go to Keyword: BUDDY on AOL, and click on Privacy Preferences. Then choose the "Block all AOL members and AOL Instant Messenger users" option, and the "Apply Preferences to... Buddy List and Instant Message" option. Then click on Save. (Note that if you do this, your NIM Away message may not show up correctly to other users.)

Back to Top

Q: What features of NIM work with AOL and CompuServe2000 members?
A: NIM users can see AOL and CS2000 users in their Buddy Lists and can send and receive instant messages to and from them. However, NIM User Profiles, chat rooms, and a few other features are "NIM-only."

Conversely, NIM users cannot enter AOL chat rooms or view AOL or CS2000 Member Profiles. AOL and CS2000 members who want to join NIM chat rooms should install NIM?/a> and sign on using their screen or member name.

Back to Top

Q: How do I use my current AOL screen names with NIM?/b>
A:: As an AOL member, your screen name is reserved for you if you want to use it with NIM? however, you must still register the screen name with the NIM service before using it. To register your AOL screen name for an NIM account, go to the registration page for AOL or CS2000

Once you receive registration confirmation for your NIM account, you can create and register additional NIM screen names. (Note that these can be new and different from your AOL or CompuServe screen names.)