1) Ensure you have free disk space. Both enough for the software and also for the install software to install temp files as it goes. This could include xxMB for temp files.
2) Re-download AIM version 5.9 installer as the install file may be corrupt.
3) Temporarily disable firewall if you think it might be a concern. You should make sure you're using one if you aren't already. E.g.
Sygate's.
3) Run both
Ad-aware and
Spybot S&D. Ensure you use the in-built update features to download new reference files before using. Fix any faults found.
4) Ensure you have an up-to-date virus checker. Either one from Symantec or McAfee or even a free one from
Grisoft. Update product & run virus check. You may then temporarily disable the product if you believe it might interfere with the installation.
5) Purge your cache, temp files etc of all the "material" that downloaded over the course of your filthy freshman year. Suggested tool is
Window Washer, available as shareware.
6) Use the add/remove programs feature in Windows (if you're using a Mac you should've stopped reading much earlier) to remove any unecessary programs and their files.
7) For remaining unecessary programs use the uninstall program in their directory; usually called unwise.exe.
8) Attempt to re-install the AIM program.
9) Attempt to re-install in Safe mode if problems experienced (F8 at Windows startup).
10) Hook me up with the Bush Twins that you're close to if the above works.