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General discussion

How do I archive instant messages?

Feb 11, 2006 11:59PM PST

I have been told that it is possible to archive instant messages, but no one has been able to tell me how to do this.

What I would like to do is be able to retrieve the instant messages that are being sent by as well as to my child. She uses AOL Instant Messenger.

I have parental controls on my computer that allow me to see who she is IM'ing as well as how many IM's they send to each other. I want to be able to retrieve the content of those messages.

If anyone can help me it would be greatly appreciated.

Discussion is locked

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some info found on the net.
Feb 12, 2006 3:58AM PST

It does not seem that there is a cache that remains on your system after
the IM chat is terminated. If the chat is not saved there is no
record.

You might try the following to see if there's a cache. While IM'ing,
type a memorable phrase and send it. While keeping your 'buddy'
on-line, go to Start > Find > Files > Containg Text and search for files
containing the phrase. You may also want to click on the Advanced tab
to select a narrow date range to speed the search. I was not able to do
this on my system (couldn't find a buddy on-line), but I would not be
surprised if you found a file containing the phrase. After all you can
click on save after chatting for 30 minutes and the entire conversation
is saved. Now close IM and repeat the search. This time you'll
probably find no file.


Have you considered contacting AOL? I searched their FAQ's but found
nothing there.


Sorry about your problem and good luck.


Aloha

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Won't say whether it is right or wrong...
Feb 12, 2006 4:38AM PST

because that is your business but here is one answer for you (not free but cheap):
http://www.keylogger.bz/keylogger-redhanded-summ.htm
http://www.topshareware.com/Instant-Message-Grabber-download-2556.htm

Google Desktop Search - This program allows you to search your desktop and Google all without ever opening a browser. It also gives you the ability to archive Aol Instant Messages and Email so you can search these at any time.
http://desktop.google.com/features.html#preferences then scroll down a few lines to:

Search Types

Google Desktop can index the following types of items on your computer:


? Email (including Gmail, Outlook, Outlook Express, Netscape Mail, Thunderbird, and Mozilla Mail)
? Chats (from Google Talk, AOL Instant Messenger, and MSN Messenger)
? Web history (from Internet Explorer, Firefox, Netscape, and Mozilla)

Or you might want to look at one or some of these additional AIM utilities:
http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:7-Fmldy797YJ:www.softwareoftheday.com/software-1/IM.htm+%22archiving%22+with+%22+aol+instant+messages%22&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=30

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KEYLOGGER
Feb 24, 2006 6:24AM PST

Get A program like KEYLOGGER...
I have done this for my work PC...
We use Lotus Sametime at work and it does not save conversations...
Often times There is info, phone #'s, codes, etc. in these IM's and if I inadvertantly close the conversation window, the info is lost...
KEYLOGGER (http://www.keylogger.net/)...
Records EVERY keystroke made and runs invisibly...