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<()>                    HACKING MERIDIAN MAIL VMB'S                       <()>
<()>                                                                      <()>
<()>                           by CRAZYBYTE                               <()>
<()>                                                                      <()>
<()>                             MAY 1992                                 <()>
<()>                                                                      <()>
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DISCLAIMER
----------
This file is written for informational purposes only. I don't take any
responsibility for any actions taken by readers of this text (I don't force
you guys to hack a fucking VMB). But I DO encourage all of you to hack on
vmb's if you have some time to waste (it's fun to do when your computer
breaks down or when you have a shitty memory expansion that won't work when
it's too hot (like I have)).



INTRODUCTION
------------
As far as I know the Meridian Mail vmb's are not as common as Aspens, Message
Centers,... So don't go scanning for one, just use this guide when you've
found one. Anyways, vmb's are phun to have, and they sure as hell cut back on
your phone bill (and they're probably the only system a standard /<00l /<0Dez
/<i|)diE will ever hack (like Flaming Chaos or whatever that lamer is
called)). 
Note to Analog: how do you expect your board to be an elite HPA board with
such a lamer as co-sysop ?



IDENTIFYING A MERIDIAN MAIL VMB
-------------------------------
It's VERY HARD to identify a Meridian Mail system, when you call a VMB and
hear a womans voice saying 'Meridian Mail....mailbox' then you found one.
(Phew, this was hard (hehe). Anyway, it isn't always this easy-to-recognise
welcome message. Other ways to know for sure that you're dealing with
Meridian Mail is that when you don't enter a box number after about 5 seconds
it will say 'Please enter your mailbox followed by number sign'. After you've
entered the 4-digit mailbox number, it will ask 'password'.



FINDING A VALID BOX
-------------------
Even when the box you entered is not valid, the system will ask for a
password. The boxes are 4 digits, and usually grouped in blocks. I suggest
that you first try these box-numbers: x000,xxxx,xy00. On allmost all vmb
systems I've found valid, hackable boxes with these 'templates'. I think they
usually set up boxes like 1000,6666,... for testing purposes, or when they're
used by many people, and the number has to be easy to remember.
On all Meridian Mail systems I found, the default password was the same as
the box number. I haven't found system administrator boxes yet, but I think
they're probably located as on other vmb systems (ex: 9999,9000,...).



WHEN YOU FOUND A BOX
--------------------
Don't change anything in it, use the one you found to scan for other unused
boxes. I'll explain how to scan for them later. I would say don't listen to
the messages, because then the legit owner (if there is one) could be warned,
but hey, I like to listen to other peoples bullshit too, so... (I once had a
box from a woman, and two different guys used to call her a couple of times a
day saying that they missed/wanted her, and stuff like that (Belgians: it was
on the JD fuckin' EDWARDS system)).



MAILBOX OPTIONS
---------------
 * : get info about what you're doing, and all available options.

 2 : play message
 4 : goto previous message
 6 : goto next message
 9 : call the sender of the message

70 : message options
71 : reply to the message you've just listened to
72 : play envelope : hear all info about the message
73 : forward the message to another box
74 : record one reply for all messages
75 : record a message (5 to start, # to stop recording)
76 : delete the actual message
79 : send message

80 : mailbox options.
     1 : change operator assistance number
         This will change the number that is called when you enter 0
         for operator assistance. These numbers are usually other box
	 numbers, but I found a systems which will connect me to some
         local prefixes too.... might be interesting.
81 : logon to another mailbox
82 : change the internal and external greeting of your box
     1 : change internal greeting
     2 : change external greeting
     Don't do this, or you'll lose your box very fast...	
83 : logoff
84 : change password (enter new pw + #)
85 : create a distribution list
     !!! This option can be used to scan for other unused/valid boxes.
     Just enter 5 to compose a new distribution list, and then enter the
     box number followed by #. Note down boxes that respond with
     'mailbox xxxx' because they're unused, and I still have to find such
     an unused box that hasn't got the box number as password. When you
     found enough unused boxes, press ## to stop your distribution list,
     and then 76 to delete it.
86 : goto message #. This option will ask for the number from a message,
     end then go to that message (like you could by using 4 and 6).
89 : personal verification (will say name of owner)
     5 : record name
     4 : exit


Well, those were the most important commands. Remember that you can allways
get help by pressing *.



ADDITIONAL NOTES
----------------
I found out that when you have logged into your box and quickly press 0 a
couple of times, you will be asked for a number or something like that.
I have a Meridian Mail vmb with which I can connect to some local numbers.
There used to be an 1-800 Meridian Mail that could be used to dial out
through this feature. I ain't saying it's possible on all Meridian Mail
vmb's, but it's worth a try.



Hmmm... hope you guys got some interesting info out of this text... if not,
give yourself a good handjob ( or go to a hooker for a blowjob ) and you'll
feel much better.