Those are not really loaded. You have to sign up using the shortcuts on the Desktop. Just delete the shortcuts. Any installed programs that you want to remove can be removed using Control Panel, Add-remove programs.

I will try what you have suggested.  I thought there was more to it with AOL than just removing any AOL programs that show up in the control panel.  Thanks for the information.

 

Right click on the AOL shortcut and select Properties . . that should lead you to the folder the files are stored in.  If AOL has not been installed, you can safely delete that folder . . same iwth Earthlink and others. . You can determine if they have been installed by looking in Add/REmove Programs

Hi.

Windows installations are like octopi. There are several things you can do that altogether will usually remove all traces of an application:

1. Click Start and look in the All Programs list. If the application (app) is listed, follow the expansion arrow (if necessary) to see if an Uninstall is provided. If so, run it and;

2. Run Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel. Remove any remaining indications of the app. If you are not sure, don't delete it and

3. Look at My Computer, C Drive, Programs folder to see if there is any residue. Delete it and

4. Click Start/Search/All Files and Folders. Use the app name or a significant part. If AOL, for example, just "AOL" would do. Delete all items found.

By now, your machine ought to be cleansed of the trash hidden in strange places. General rule though: Be careful about deleting ambiguous items. If in doubt, don't. Find a geek and ask.  :-) 

 

Thanks for your help!   I will give it a try.  Thanks again.