AIM service can't be reached problems

For a few days now (since saturday the 18th i think), I've been unable to access AIM, always getting the message The AIM service can't be reached. The problem started when I updated to version 5.9. I tried to reinstall the program multiple times, and also to install an earlier version, but nothing helped. AIM also could not be accessed through Trillian. I also tried to autoconfigure AIM's host server, but no connection could be established. I followed instructions from this site to clear my computer of spyware, viruses, and the like and still it won't work. I did discover while doing this that AIM works while running in safe mode. That ruled out the possibilty of the servers being down. I thought that the problem had something to do with the processes that were running, but while attempting to single one out, I came across VSMON.exe (System), which i could not end the task of or delete it from its folder (c\windows\system32\zonelabs). I found that it was a part of a firewall which i no longer have. I also found VetMsgNT (System), which I just have no idea what it is. Its also in c\windows\system32. If anyone could tell me what these two things are, if they're harmful, and if so how to get rid of them, it would be much appreciated. Other ideas about why AIM won't work would also be helpful. Thank you.

 

Sorry for double posting but I can't find the editing tool thing... I just wanted to say that I'm rather sure those 2 processes were running before I upgraded, and AIM was still working fine. The processes may conflict with the newest aim, but that wouldn't explain why when i tried 5.5 beta it wouldn't work. So, I'm leaning toward it being something else, but I have no idea what.

 

Background task from Computer Associates’ InoculateIT AntiVirus (formerly Vet AntiVirus). VETMSG9X runs on Windows 9x/ME while VETMSGNT runs on Windows NT4/2000/XP/2003. This task watches for usage of the floppy disk drive and automatically kicks in to scan the floppy for possible viruses – then it lets you use the floppy disk.

Recommendation :
Essential for full protection of your PC by InoculateIT – leave alone.

Steve

 

Thanks. Just wondering... what are the other differences between safe mode (with network support) and the normal mode? And if there really are none, it could be that the Zone Alarm firewall is blocking the AIM service (but i don't know how to turn it off). I also have the windows XP firewall running, but i disabled it and AIM still wouldnt work.

 

Alright, i turned off zone alarm and aim works. But after a while of being on the internet (trying to install sun java actually, which won't work), zone alarm tells me its been turned off like a hacker would, and shuts down my acess to the internet. but i dont even WANT zone alarm. I uninstalled it way back, and it still wont leave me alone. Can anyone tell me how to turn it off completely?

 

http://nh2.nohold.net/noHoldCust25/Prod_1/Articles55646/CompleteUninstallNonNT.html

Steve

 

Thanks. That solved all my AIM problems, along with edonkey XD.

 

Good deal. Glad you got it worked out. Steve