how can i chat from messages with ichat users ?

Hi,

to Start the Messages app needs an Apple ID to "register" for and with iMessages.

This creates an "Account" in Messages Menu > Preferences > Accounts

If you had Accounts (Screen Names and Jabber IDs) you were using before getting to Mountain Lion these should be listed as well.

These create iChat (style) Buddy lists that can be sued the same way as they are in iChat.

By Default they are gathered in one List (mixing AIM and Jabber IDs) due to a Setting in Message Menu > Preference > General section that needs Unticking

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In the Main Message Window you can start with New Message (box and pencil type icon top left)

A Blue + icon appears top right

This gives you access to Buddies or Contacts (Or Groups in your Address Book/Contacts) as an alternative.

8:59 PM Sunday; August 26, 2012

Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"

 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Lion 10.7.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

i have the same problem, but i have not had any other accounts. WHen i add my firends screen name, all it says is thisp erson is not registered with messages

HI,

If you Open Messages then go the to App Menu > Preferences > Accounts there should be at least two accounts there.

1) The iMessages one that needs you to "register" and Apple ID.

2) The Bonjour one that may not be Enabled. (everyone gets the Bonjour Account)

IF only the iMessages Account is Enabled then in the WINDOW Menu there will only be Messages CMD + 0 listed.

If you enable the Bonjour one then an item called Buddies with the keystrokes of CMD +1 will appear.

Using this items you can then See the Buddy List.

"Adding Screen Name" sounds like your friend uses the AIM service.

You have to have an AIM Buddy list to be able to add this Buddy.

Some Apple IDs ending with @mac.com and @me.com can also be used with the AIM Service.

You needs to use the + button at the bottom of the List then chose AIM in the next screen. (It's a drop down)

At this points the Buddy list shown in the Window Menu with CMD + 1 is a combined list.

To see separate Buddy lists untick the required line in the General section of the Preferences

7:46 PM Thursday; October 11, 2012

Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"

 iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Mountain Lion 10.8.2)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad
"Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously