Yahoo Messenger



'''Yahoo! Messenger''' is an instant messaging client created by Yahoo, first released on March 9, 1998. The final version was released in 2012 (not counting the "new" mobile version released in December 2015) and the service was officially shut down on August 5, 2016. Currently, there are two server emulators for Yahoo Messenger: PhoenixIM and Escargot.

PhoenixIM
PhoenixIM is currently the recommended server for Yahoo Messenger. It currently supports Yahoo! Messenger 6.0 and some versions of 5.x. The list of supported clients is below.

How to register & use

 * Download Yahoo Messenger 6.0 from the PhoenixIM website: http://iwarg.ddns.net/ymsg/index.php?action=downloads
 * Create an account on the same site (on the "User Control" to the right).
 * Apply the registry patch (available below).
 * Sign in.
 * Enjoy!

Registry patch
In order to connect to the servers a registry patch must be applied. To do this:
 * Hold down the Windows Key and R.
 * Type regedit and hit OK or Enter.
 * Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Yahoo\pager
 * Right click and create a String value called ConnServer.
 * Click on the newly created value.
 * When the box comes up, type either phoenixim.ddns.net or iwarg.ddnes.net
 * Click OK.
 * Restart Yahoo Messenger if its opened.
 * Sign in and it should work.

Alternatively, you could make a .reg file with the following contents:

You can also download the YPatcher from the PhoenixIM website.

Escargot
Yahoo Messenger support is currently very limited in Escargot, but a few versions have basic support implemented. As of December 2020, 4 versions are known to work with Escargot's servers: 5.0.0.1066, 5.5.0.1237, 5.5.0.1244, and 5.5.0.1246. To use it, the "Yahoo! Messenger support" option must be enabled when signing up for an Escargot account (or resetting your password). It is likely insecure, so you are recommended to use a throwaway account.