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.

How to use Yahoo Messenger again

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.

Version Status
  Pager Unknown
  Messenger v2.0 Unknown
  Messenger v3.0 Unknown
  Messenger v3.5 Unknown
  Messenger v4.1 Unknown
  Messenger v5.0 Unknown
  Messenger v5.5 Working
  Messenger v5.6 Unknown
  Messenger v6.0 Working
  Messenger v6.1 Unknown
  Messenger v7.0 Unknown
  Messenger v7.4 Unknown
  Messenger v8.1 Unknown
  Messenger v9.0 Unknown
  Messenger v10.0 Unknown
  Messenger v11.0 Unknown

How to register & use

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:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Yahoo\pager\]
"ConnServer"="phoenixim.ddns.net"

You can also download the YPatcher from the PhoenixIM website.

Escargot

File:Escargot Yahoo.png

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.

Version Status
  Pager Not Working
  Messenger v2.0 Not Working
  Messenger v3.0 Not Working
  Messenger v3.5 Not Working
  Messenger v4.1 Not Working
  Messenger v5.0 Working
  Messenger v5.5 Working
  Messenger v5.6 Not Working
  Messenger v6.0 Not Working
  Messenger v6.1 Not Working
  Messenger v7.0 Not Working
  Messenger v7.4 Not Working
  Messenger v8.1 Not Working
  Messenger v9.0 Not Working
  Messenger v10.0 Not Working
  Messenger v11.0 Not Working