Weird Problem with AOL file

Question

I dont know if anyone has any suggestions, but I have a file on my computer that is 'Free AOL & Unlimited Interent'.  It appears at the top portion of my start menu button, in the section above programs in classic view.  Well when ever I click on the start menu button it takes like 10 or more seconds to load then if my pointer happens to touch it, it sticks to the 'free aol....' program for another 10 secs.  Its also in one of my favorites folders on Internet explorer and the same thing happens if i open that favorites folder.  Ive tried to delete it but it will not allow me.  Does anyone have any ideas or if I need to I can take a screenshot (only if someone can tell me how).  Im open to any suggestions.  Help me with this problem..   Craig

DELL-Corey · Answer

cnentrup, Thank you for using Dell's Community Forum. You could try to hack it out of the registry. I would first try using one of the virus/spyware removers.

NS_MaNiAc · Answer

Funny that you have to use a virus/spyware remover or hack your registry to remove something Dell installs on your computer.

DELL-Corey · Answer

NS_MaNiAc, LOL I just assumed that his must be corrupted or compromised since the software that we install (including a version of AOL on some systems) does not/should not cause that type of issue.

cnentrup · Answer

Actually, yesterday I had a problem with spyware taking over my computer.  I got it finally fix, but I ran about 3 different programs to remove the spyware.  Also this problem has been present for a long time.  I just know am getting very frustrated with it.  So what else could I do rather than running a program for removing spyware.  I will try anything, so just keep the suggestions coming.   craig

NS_MaNiAc · Answer

I would just go through and manually delete all the AOL Files off the system.. You should be able to right click and delete the shortcuts as well. While this will leave some of the program in your registry it shouldn't self-populate.

cnentrup · Answer

Ok, when I try to delete the shortcut file that is the problem it pops up an error message saying "cannot delete Free AOL & Unlimited Interent : Data Error (Cyclic redundancy check)"

I have no idea what that means so if you got some idea please let me know.

thanks

craig

cnentrup · Answer

Ok Im not familiar with DOS but I do know how to get into the command prompt.  What would I need to enter or what can you tell me.

NS_MaNiAc · Answer

Try doing it through the command prompt... Pretty easy if your familiar with DOS. Start>Run 'Command'

NS_MaNiAc · Answer

The command prompt accepts most DOS style commands.

The main three your going to need are CD (Change directory) / deltree (deletes a folder and all subfolders) and dir/p (lets you view the directory... /p will pause the directory at each screen and wait for you to hit enter to show more files) Note: It might be dir /p (notice the space) Its been awhile since I used DOS LoL

So how do you use these? Well basically when you open the command prompt type CD C:\

This will bring you to the C:\ prompt... Then type dir/p this will show you all the main files/folders on your PC... You use /p because there may be more than one page of files/folders. So lets just say for example you see a folder labled AOL... to delete this folder and all its subfolders I believe you just type deltree C:\AOL at the prompt and it will remove it and all its subfolders.

If you dont see that it may be under program files... so to go to program files you would type CD C:\Program Files

Then dir/p to view all your program files...

Thats pretty much all you need to know... don't delete anything but the AOL stuff!! Good luck!!

P.S. You can probably find the location of all the AOL stuff using WindowsXP's find files or folders features. Just write down all the locations you can change right to them in the command prompt.

Message Edited by NS_MaNiAc on 02-11-2005 05:31 PM

Windows General

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