How to Read the Messenger Cache

Messenger applications such as AIM, Yahoo and MSN Messenger will cache your chat history if you request it. You can access the chat logs on your computer at any time, provided you know where to find or access them. Most messenger applications have a utility within the application to open the cache files for viewing.

Instructions

AIM Messenger

1. Click "Options" in the upper right corner of your AIM window. Click "Settings."

2. Click "IM Archives" in the left-side menu. Click "View Archives" beneath the file Path field.

3. Double-click the cache file you want to view. The file will open in a text editor.

Yahoo Messenger

1. Launch your Yahoo Messenger application.

2. Click the "Contacts" menu. Click "Conversation History."

3. Click "Instant Messages" in the drop-down that appears at the top of the screen. Click "Participant" to sort the results.

MSN Messenger

1. Launch your MSN Messenger application. Press "Alt" after the application loads to access the menu bar.

2. Click "File" and then choose the option to view the message history.

3. Select the contact name whose history you want to view, and then click "OK." The chat history opens in a text window. Close the window to select another history.

References

• AOL Help: How Do I Save IM Sessions Using AIM?
• Yahoo Help: Using Conversation History to View Archived Messages and Call History