How to Temporarily Stop Receiving AOL Instant Messages

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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You can block anybody you want from sending you instant messages. AOL users and people who downloaded AOL Instant Messenger off the Web have different instructions.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Internet Access
Computers
America Online

AOL Users

Step 1

Sign on to AOL.
Step 2

Click People on the taskbar.
Step 3

Click View Buddy List.
Step 4

Click Setup.
Step 5

Click Privacy Preferences.
Step 6

Choose "Allow only those people whose screen names I list" under Choose Your Privacy Preferences.
Step 7

Choose Buddy List and Instant Message under Apply Preferences to the Following Features.
Step 8

Click Save.

Non-AOL Users

Step 1

Open the Instant Messenger program.
Step 2

Open the File menu and choose My Options, then Edit Preferences.
Step 3

In the box that appears, choose the Control tab.
Step 4

Click the radio button to accept messages from only the people you list.

Tips & Warnings

Sometimes you might want to hide even from your friends if you're trying to work or do something and don't want to be bothered.
You can hide for a while and then let them see you when you're ready.