Chapter 2; Using and Setting Up MailFetch:

Using MailFetch:
Using MailFetch With America Online 4.0 and 3.0:
When you launch MailFetch, you first select whether you want to run an Auto AOL session or just sign on to AOL. Then you click OK, and get back to whatever you were doing. If AOL is not currently running, MailFetch will launch it for you. It will then initiate the sign on or Auto AOL session without making AOL your front application. If you leave MailFetch running, it will notify you when AOL has successfully connected by beeping once and flashing its icon in the menu bar. Switching to AOL (or to MailFetch) will turn off the flashing icon. If you are running an Auto AOL session, the flashing icon will be turned off when the session has completed.

Using MailFetch With America Online 2.6 or 2.7:
Simply launch MailFetch and click the “Log On” button. You can then switch to another application while AOL is connecting. If AOL is not currently running, MailFetch will launch it for you. If you leave MailFetch running, it will notify you when AOL has successfully connected by beeping once and flashing its icon in the menu bar. Switching to AOL (or to MailFetch) will turn off the flashing icon.

Infinite Redialing (available with AOL 3 or AOL 2):
Under MailFetch’s “Special” menu is the item “Infinite Redialing...” This option is for users who often have a lot of difficulty connecting to AOL. If infinite redialing is turned on, AOL will continue to redial indefinitely, until it connects successfully or you tell it to cancel. AOL will use only the first number in your “Setup” screen when this option is turned on. If you have AOL 3.0, the number will be redialed regardless of which error occurred (busy, lost carrier signal, no answer, etc.). With AOL 2.6 or 2.7, the infinite redial option only forces redials if the error is a busy signal (this is the most common error). When you initiate an AOL logon “manually” without using MailFetch, the infinite redialing will not be in effect. Infinite redialing should be used with some caution, since it will tie up your phone line forever if you leave it running and a successful connect never happens. 

Setting Up MailFetch:
Setting up MailFetch is extremely simple. All you have to do is show it where your America Online software is by selecting the AOL application file in an ordinary file-selection dialog. Once this step is performed, you shouldn’t have to do it again unless you reinstall or upgrade your AOL software. When you first launch MailFetch, it will prompt you to locate your AOL software by using the “Locate AOL...” File menu selection.

Setting Up AOL For MailFetch:
Setting up America Online to work with MailFetch involves a few simple steps, although it’s possible that you already have AOL configured correctly for MailFetch. The information required to set up AOL in this way is covered in the online documentation to AOL. I’m presenting it here as well so you will have all the information you need to use MailFetch in one place.

Setting Up America Online 4.0: 

Launch AOL and log on. Select “Preferences” under the “My AOL” menu. Then select the “Passwords” item on the left side of the Preferences window. Type in your password next to the screen name or names you will be using with MailFetch. Make sure the “Valid for Auto AOL” box is checked. Next, select the “Auto AOL” item on the left side of the Preferences window. Check the boxes for the screen name or names you will be using for Auto AOL sessions, and for the actions you want to perform in Auto AOL sessions.

Setting Up America Online 3.0: 
Launch AOL and select “Preferences” under the “Members” menu. Then select 
                                                                the “Passwords” item in the left 
                                                                 side of the Preferences dialog. 
                                                                 Type in your password next to
                                                                                       the screen name or names you
                                                                                       will be using with MailFetch If
                                                                 you want to be able to use
                                                                 MailFetch for signing on as well
                                                                 as Auto AOL sessions, make sure
that the “Valid only for Auto AOL sessions” box is not checked. Next, select the “Auto AOL” item in the left side of the Preferences dialog. Check the boxes for the screen name or names you will be using for Auto AOL sessions, and for the actions you want to perform in Auto AOL sessions.

Setting Up America Online 2.x:
Launch AOL and select “Edit Stored Passwords” under the “Members” menu. In the 
                                                                box that  appears, type in your password
                                                 next to the screen name or names you will be
                                                 using with MailFetch. Make sure that the
                                                  check box under “Signon” is checked. 

For All Versions of AOL:
Note that once AOL is configured in this way, typing in the password will no longer be required to sign on to America Online.

That’s it! You are now ready to use MailFetch!