The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and computer
instructions for organizing threads in an instant messaging session.
Instant messages are received from a list of contacts. Each of these
messages are stored in a set of folders, wherein each folders in the set
of folders stores messages for a contact in the number of contacts. Each
file is linked for access though a graphical user interface. Message
threads are handled by displaying a primary dialog window, wherein the
primary dialog window includes an ongoing conversation pane and an
outgoing message pane. Responsive to a user input identifying a new
thread, a secondary dialog window is displayed, wherein the secondary
dialog window includes an ongoing conversation pane and an outgoing
message pane. Responses to outgoing messages sent from the outgoing
message pane are displayed in the primary dialog window in the ongoing
conversation pane in the primary dialog window. Responses to outgoing
messages sent from the outgoing message pane in the secondary dialog
window are displayed in the ongoing conversation pane in the secondary
dialog window, wherein the primary dialog window and the secondary dialog
window.