Technology, Computers and Smartphones

[chonies]

I know I'm late to the party, India, but if you haven't got your background fixed yet and the guy seems to have altered the code beyond what you could fix yourself, I would just delete the code and use a different editor. Starting from scratch may be a pain, but it might be worth it if the code is causing angst.

[kafka]

I need AOL help before I throw my computer out the window.

Ignoring the fact that I can't seem to access AOL at all these days, I keep getting a "virus protection update" message. It pops up on my computer not just once in a while but almost every 3 minutes. It's driving me mad but I don't have the energy to go onto AOL, have my computer freeze, reboot, try again, and do the whole "online technical support" ordeal. Nor is deleting or reinstalling the 9.0 safety system a likely solution. When I set it up on my parents' computer, the message popped up even after they ended up deleting AOL.

MadElf has suggested various things but I think my set-up differs from hers. I don't have a flashlight icon on my desktop, going through the Start Button to Programs and accessing the Security system that way just brings up the same normal screen as if I'd clicked on the security icon on my bottom taskbar.

I also have no little yellowish man or green boxes, as she does, and nothing I unclick seems to stop that damn blasted pop-up/update alert. At this point, I've disabled the Spyware and Virus parts of the AOL 9.0 system but I *still* get the messages. And, as my parents' example demonstrates, reinstalling or deleting the program won't do anything.

Has anyone encountered this? Do you have any suggestions? I'm very paranoid about not having Virus protection, even though I think the AOL system doesn't do anything and I normally rely on 3 other programs to clean my computer. But I just want this damn thing to stop showing up every 3 minutes. HELP!

[mrpancake]

Kafka, this probably won't help, but it's worth a shot. Use the "Run" function. Mine is in my start menu. Then in the box type "msconfig" (no quotes). Then in the "System Configuration Utility," click on the "Startup" tab. Then, uncheck any AOL things that might be running at the startup. It won't get rid of them forever, but it will stop it from coming up unless you tell it to. Unless, of course, it's a virus or spyware and not something from AOL at all. My next piece of advice:

What do you use AOL for? Just email? If so, consider setting up your email to get it through an email client like Eudora, Outlook Express or Outlook. You can find directions here

[india7]

chonies said:

I know I'm late to the party, India, but if you haven't got your background fixed yet and the guy seems to have altered the code beyond what you could fix yourself, I would just delete the code and use a different editor. Starting from scratch may be a pain, but it might be worth it if the code is causing angst.

Naaah, it's okay, Chonies, thanks. I found another background I really like alot, so I'm keeping that for a while.

[kafka]

mrpancake said:

Kafka, this probably won't help, but it's worth a shot. Use the "Run" function. Mine is in my start menu. Then in the box type "msconfig" (no quotes). Then in the "System Configuration Utility," click on the "Startup" tab. Then, uncheck any AOL things that might be running at the startup. It won't get rid of them forever, but it will stop it from coming up unless you tell it to. Unless, of course, it's a virus or spyware and not something from AOL at all.

I tried that and it sent my computer into a tailspin. Messages about how I had to reboot and then messages about some system something or another. It was like being hit with an alien language.

And I *STILL* got the blasted pop-ups. I've also tried a few other things, and the only result was having to reboot my computer 7 times in 20 minutes, all in vain.

So, now I'm waiting on AOL Technical Support and I went from 76th in the queue to 35. In 10 minutes. <sigh>

My next piece of advice:

What do you use AOL for? Just email? If so, consider setting up your email to get it through an email client like Eudora, Outlook Express or Outlook. You can find directions here

[/quote]

I have some sort of weird emotional attachment to AOL since I've been on it for over 10 years and I'm known by my name there. I'm actually nicknamed Leeth by friends and I would feel ..... I don't know.... disorientated and unhappy without it. Even though I just use it for email now. I have MSN, Outlook, Roadrunner and other accounts but never feel comfortable using them. They're just not user friendly to me.

Not that AOL is being user-anything right now but ..... <shrug>

I know, I know, I'm weird. ;D

[schmoosie]

Kafka I found a site for you which may be helpful Disable AOL programst

[mrpancake]

I have some sort of weird emotional attachment to AOL since I've been on it for over 10 years and I'm known by my name there. I'm actually nicknamed Leeth by friends and I would feel ..... I don't know.... disorientated and unhappy without it. Even though I just use it for email now. I have MSN, Outlook, Roadrunner and other accounts but never feel comfortable using them. They're just not user friendly to me.

But you could just use Outlook Express to check your AOL email. You could still be Leeth, have your AOL email, and all would be well. Plus, Outlook Express is super easy to use. Really, really, really easy. And fast. I got my then 78 year old Grandma to use Outlook Express to check her AOL email and she was very happy about it. Something to think about!

[topher]

***snicker***
AOL
***snicker***

Kafka's stuck in 1996.

[india7]

I switched from AOL to Verizon DSL when I got back to NY, Kafka, and it's fabulous! I had cable too - Roadrunner - and I hated it. It let in all kinds of spam. But AOL took a milllion years to open up. You should look into DSL, it's awesome!

[kafka]

topher said:

***snicker***
AOL
***snicker***

Kafka's stuck in 1996.

Pfffffffffffffffffftttttt! <Swat> ;D

I have DSL, India. Via Time Warner and it would be such a mess to switch over since the company does all my cable stuff and everything as well. I guess I dread unnecessary ordeals, chores and hassles, or getting out of my comfort zone. Mad Elf, thanks for the link. I actually did much of that when MrPancake first suggested going the msconfig route. Nada. Nothing. Zip.

AOL technical support had me reinstall the Security System. After that and about 15 more reboots of my computer, the damn pop up STILL showed up. So I disabled the Virus stuff, AGAIN, and the update pop-up would turn it back on!

I finally deleted a few things via the Msconfig route *and* deleted the whole virus protection thing and, so far, so good. But I'm paranoid about not having a Virus protection program, even though I clean my computer regularly with 2 Adware/Malware programs. I don't want to buy McAfee when I could have gotten it all for free via AOL, but I'm fretting now.

So I've decided to be a good ostrich, stick my head in the sand for tonight, have a glass of wine and "think about it tomorrow" (tm Scarlett O'Hara).