Flamenet runs a classic OSCAR-based AIM server at aim.flamenet.io on port 5190. Follow the steps below to install an AIM 5.x client on your platform and connect it to Flamenet.

AIM 5.x is recommended for the authentic early-2000s feel.

Installation

Windows 10 / 11

1. Download AIM 5.9.6089 from oldversion.com.
2. Install AIM and exit the application when setup finishes.
3. Open Task Manager, find AOL Instant Messenger (32 bit) under the Processes tab, and end the task to make sure AIM is fully closed.
4. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\AIM.
5. Delete aimapi.dll.
6. Right-click aim.exe, choose Properties, go to the Compatibility tab, and enable Run this program in compatibility mode for: Windows XP (Service Pack 3). Click OK.
7. Launch AIM.

macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon)

Windows AIM runs on modern macOS — including Apple Silicon — without a virtual machine. Get started with the AIM for macOS project, then follow the Configuration section below.

Linux / FreeBSD

AIM versions 5.0–5.1.3036 run well on Wine.

1. Install Wine from the official repository.
2. Download the AIM 5.1.3036 installer from archive.org.
3. Run the installer from a terminal:
   wine aim513036.exe

Configuration

Once AIM is installed, point it at the Flamenet server:

1. At the AIM sign-on screen, click Setup.
2. Under the Sign On/Off category on the left, click Connection.
3. Enter the Flamenet server details:
   • Host: aim.flamenet.io
   • Port: 5190
4. Click OK to save.
5. Enter your Flamenet AIM screen name and password on the sign-on screen and click Sign In.

Note: These settings replace the default AOL servers. You will not be able to connect to the official AOL AIM network while these settings are active.

Don't have a screen name yet?

Create your Flamenet AIM account on the AIM Sign-In page. Once registered, use that screen name and password in step 5 above.