Whenever I start up AOL 5.0, I get the message:
“AOL has found errors in one of it’s folders. It will attempt to correct the problem and restart.” After clicking 3 or 4 of those buttons, AOL finally starts up and works normally, though the Save/Replace Favorites feature no longer works. For work purposes, I absolutely need that feature nearly every day of the week, so I need to reinstall the software.
What’s the best way to do so? I can’t stand 6.0, so I’ll be reinstalling 5.0. Do I simply copy favorites (I have a saved folder) and the Organize directory, and then uninstall and reinstall the software, replacing the Organize folder and favorites? I have 7 people here who use the program daily, and if I can fix it over the weekend, I’ll be very pleased. Any help?
I don’t know how helpful this is…but I had HORRIBLE problems with 5.0. Error/update messages, could not access the web, constantly booted off, AOL kept not recognising my password.
I have heard similar stories from other AOL users.
I cancelled my subscription & restarted it with an old copy of AOL 3.0. Not one single problem, & I don’t get any messages of any kind; in 6 months or so.
Unlike most programs, you don’t need to uninstall aol before reinstalling it, because muliple versions of aol can exist on your computer at the same time. When you start to install it will tell you that there is a previous version of aol 5.0 on your computer, and would you like to a. copy the files (like your favorites) to the new version of aol; clicking on this will do it for you automatically or b. do you want to move the files to the new version. I always have it copy them, but it’s matter of personal preference. The newest install of aol will be your default version, and the one you access when you start aol. They will be listed on your hard drive something like AOL 5.0, and AOL 5.0b or something very similar.
I’ve been on AOL for about 6 years now, and have moved through each version from 2.5 to 5.0
With each new version, I’ve avoided installing it for at least a year. I’m a big addict of AOL, and yet I know enough NOT to trust a new bit of software. A few questions/suggestions for you.
Call Tech Support at AOL to find out EXACTLY how to save your preferences and Fave Places AND Address Book to a desktop file. That way, you can set those important items aside, and totally wipe the AOL that is corrupted off your HD. I’ve been down this road more than once- I actually once confirmed that the AOL 5.0 CD that I’d used was a corrupted disk- found both visible and hidden ID numbers and was told by AOL tech that it was a bad batch. At any rate, doing as suggested above and simply installing it again may not do it. If the damage is to a file that’s copied over, you’re screwed. AOL Tech is 1-888-346-3704.
Do you use a firewall of any kind? I use Zone Alarm, and sometimes have trouble navigating outside of AOL out on the web. I tend to keep in Stealth Mode but for some reason, you have to sometimes lower it to Medium Security. Perhaps your firewall is preventing you from accessing the WWW while on AOL.
Two suggestions. Do NOT use the same AOL 5.0 disk to re-install the software. Use Remove/Add software under Windows, and totally remove all traces of AOL 5.0- AFTER you have saved the files mentioned in # 1 to your desktop. Second suggestion is that you do NOT install an older version of AOL off a disk or CD, then do an update to AOL 5.0 by downloading it. The chances you will suffer a corrupted file through momentary download problems are very good. Call your buddies, go to the local CompUsa, etc- find another AOL 5.0 CD- one with different colors, etc. Install that one, after you’ve wiped the old one away. New files, etc. You will, of course, have to deal with the automatic downloading of updates from AOL for the first half-dozen times you sign off after that installation, but 99% of the installation will have happened off of that CD you will score, and that’s a much more secure method than a download.
Do the basics. After Uninstalling the troublesome AOL 5.0 that you have on your Hard Drive, do a scan disk and defrag. THEN install the new AOL 5.0
I’ve heard nightmares about AOL 6.0 I may be an addict, but it’s entirely possible that I won’t go to 6.0 for so long, that 7.0 will be released. It’s apparently buggy enough that I don’t wish to use it. Also, I use PowerTools- an enhancement shell around AOL. The PT version that’s most current is really rockin’ with very few twitches with AOL 5.0, and I hear bad things vis a vis PowerTools and AOL 6.0. Such is life.
In addition to calling the Tech line, I would heartily suggest that you send yourself an email, and in that email, copy your ENTIRE address book into the text area. That way, no matter what, you have it. Ditto for your fave places. I routinely will send an email to myself of newer fave places that I’ve found, so that when I travel, I can download them into my laptop. One of the lovely things about AOL is that if you open your Fave Places menu, every red heart is an active hyperlink. Just open a new email, and one at a time, drag the links into the email- one per line. Then send it to yourself. That way, you’ve preserved every single Fave place just in case something happens to the file you save to your desktop.
Hope some of this helps. Oh, if you’re a Mac user, call that number anyway, they can get you the Mac Tech #- I just don’t happen to have it on hand. Good luck.
Thanks for all your help guys! Especially Cartooniverse, that was an excellent response, very detailed! It looks like I’ll have this wrapped up by noon tomorrow.
<----rubbing hands together gleefully. ** YIPPEE**, another member quits in disgust, leaving me more bandwidth for my “Pre-Pubescent Chat Nook” friends and I !!! :eek: