To use .gif files as AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) buddy icons:
(Please note: As of January, 2006, the Triton version of AIM does not support custom buddy icons. AOL's web site the feature is supposed to be coming soon.)
Place your mouse cursor over the .gif link under the icon you want to save, then and right click on the link
Select "Save Link As....", and save it to a local folder on your computer
Next, go into Instant Messenger, then right click on the buddy list area of your AIM screen, and choose 'Preferences'
Click on the 'Buddy Icons' category on the left side of the Preferences screen
Under 'Set Your Buddy Icon', click on 'Browse PC'
Locate the folder where you saved the icon, then highlight the icon file and choose 'Select'
Your Buddy Icon should be set. Click 'OK' at the bottom of the window to exit out of 'Preferences'
To place an .ico icon on your desktop to replace an existing icon in Windows:
Place your mouse cursor over the .ico link under the icon you want to save, then and right click on the link
Select "Save Link As....", and save it to a local folder on your computer
Go to your desktop (make sure all open windows are minimized so you can see 'My Computer', etc.)
Right click on the icon you want to change, and choose 'Properties'
Click on 'Change Icon' and then 'Browse'
Locate the folder where you saved the icon, then highlight the icon file and choose 'Open'
Then select the icon, if it isn't already selected, where it says 'select an icon from the list below' and click 'OK'
Your new icon should be set. Click 'OK' at the bottom of the window to exit out of 'Properties'
If the above instructions don't work for some reason, please see the help files which come with AOL Instant Messenger and Windows. If you want to use these files in other instant messenger programs, etc., please use the help files in those programs. The .gif icons can be freely used on web sites, in email, in IM programs, etc., and are in the public domain.
