Q: I was keeping transcripts of iChat/AIM messages in a folder on my desktop. The folder was deleted and I lost the transcripts. (1) If I use a file recovery program what format extension will these messages have? (2) Can the provider provide me w/ the transcripts if it concerns a legal matter?
Q: My step daughter is using yahoo messenger on a cell phone. Is there anyway to retrieve all the messages sent and received?
Q: My friend used my AOL and AIM for a number of indecent activities, including sending personal photos. I’d like to find out exactly what they did by recovering deleted AOL email and AIM messages, received files, etc. Is there a free way to do so or maybe some software you recommend to purchase? I’ve got a PC operating on Windows XP.
A: You would have to purchase a program to restore your old emails. AOL only keeps your email messages on their server for 24 hours. I would recommend a program called Recover My Email because you can download and run the scan and it will give you a list of deleted email before you purchase so that you would be assured it had found what you were looking for before purchasing the program. I wasn’t able to find a reputable and functional free program to do this.
As far as the Instant Messaging there is no way to recover those. When the conversation is closed those messages are gone. However, I would recommend at this point that you add a program to your computer that runs in the background (so that the person does not know it is there) and it will record the instant messaging conversations for you. I was able to find a free program that does this called Record Instant Messages. I tried it out and it works well.
