document AIM6 client setup

Author: mk6i

README.md

@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ The following features are supported:
 
 **AIM**
 
-- [x] Windows AIM Clients: v1.x, v2.x, v3.x, v4.x, v5.x
+- [x] Windows AIM Clients: v1.x, v2.x, v3.x, v4.x, [v5.x](./docs/CLIENT.md), [v6.0-v6.1](./docs/AIM6.md)
 - [x] Away Messages
 - [x] Buddy Icons (v4.x, v5.x)
 - [x] Buddy List

docs/AIM6.md

@@ -0,0 +1,82 @@
+# Windows AIM 6.x Client Setup
+
+This guide explains how to install and configure **AIM (versions 6.0–6.1)** for use with **Retro AIM Server**.
+
+<p align="center">
+   <img alt="screenshot of AIM sign-on screen" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/057c72fe-3d60-4dad-a602-8ff95c4fcbe1">
+</p>
+
+## Installation
+
+1. Download AIM 6.x (recommended **AIM 6.1.46.1**) from
+   the [NINA wiki](https://wiki.nina.chat/wiki/Clients/AOL_Instant_Messenger#Windows).
+2. Run the installer and complete the installation.
+3. Close the AIM application.
+4. Open **Task Manager** and end the **AIM (32 bit)** process if it’s still running.
+
+## Configure Authentication Mode
+
+AIM 6.x does not expose server settings via the UI. You'll need to edit configuration files manually.
+
+To switch from the default Kerberos-based auth (AAM/AAMUAS) to BUCP:
+
+1. Open **Notepad as Administrator** (Start → type "Notepad" → right-click → **Run as Administrator**).
+2. In Notepad, go to **File → Open**.
+3. Navigate to:
+   ```
+   C:\Program Files (x86)\AIM6\services\im\ver1_14_9_1
+   ```
+4. Change the file filter to **All Files**.
+5. Open `serviceManifest.xml`.
+6. Locate the `aol.im.connect.mode` and `aol.im.connect.mode2` preferences and change them from `AAM` and `AAMUAS` to
+   `BUCP`:
+
+   ```diff
+   -<preferenceDefault key="aol.im.connect.mode" scope="identity" type="string">AAM</preferenceDefault>
+   +<preferenceDefault key="aol.im.connect.mode" scope="identity" type="string">BUCP</preferenceDefault>
+   -<preferenceDefault key="aol.im.connect.mode2" scope="identity" type="string">AAMUAS</preferenceDefault>
+   +<preferenceDefault key="aol.im.connect.mode2" scope="identity" type="string">BUCP</preferenceDefault>
+   ```
+
+7. Save the file.
+
+## Configure Server Hostname
+
+To point the client to your Retro AIM Server:
+
+1. In Notepad, go to **File → Open** again.
+2. Navigate to:
+   ```
+   C:\Program Files (x86)\AIM6\services\imApp\ver6_1_46_1
+   ```
+3. Set the file filter to **All Files**.
+4. Open `serviceManifest.xml`.
+5. Find the `aol.aimcc.connect.host.address` preference and update it to match your `OSCAR_HOST` Retro AIM Server
+   config:
+
+   ```diff
+   -<preferenceDefault key="aol.aimcc.connect.host.address" scope="identity" type="string">login.oscar.aol.com</preferenceDefault>
+   +<preferenceDefault key="aol.aimcc.connect.host.address" scope="identity" type="string">127.0.0.1</preferenceDefault>
+   ```
+
+6. Save the file.
+
+## Enable Legacy JavaScript Engine (Windows 11 24H2+ Only)
+
+AIM 6.x's frontend breaks under the new JavaScript engine introduced in Windows 11 24H2. A workaround described by
+[axelsw.it](https://www.axelsw.it/pwiki/index.php/JScript_Windows11) forces Windows to use an older JavaScript engine
+compatible with AIM 6.x.
+
+> ⚠️ Downgrading the JavaScript engine is generally a bad idea, as it may expose your system to vulnerabilities fixed in
+> newer engines.
+> **Proceed at your own risk!**
+
+To implement the workaround, create a `.reg` file with the following content. Double-click the file in Windows Explorer
+to apply the change.
+
+```
+Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
+
+[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main]
+"JScriptReplacement"=dword:00000000
+```