You may receive the message, "A full connection could not be established," when you sign on to the AOL® software for any one of several reasons. After trying the first solution, check to see if you can sign on with the AOL software with receiving the message. If you still receive the message, continue using the suggested solutions until the problem is fixed.
You may wish to print or save a copy of these instructions, as this page may not remain visible as you go through the suggested steps.
Solutions
Create a New TCP/IP Location
Creating a new TCP/IP location will replace any incorrect connection information in the current location.
To create a new TCP/IP location:
1. Launch the AOL software but do not sign on.
2. Click the Setup button.
3. Choose the Add a Location option by clicking it, then click the Next button.
4. In the Name: box, type TCP/IP, then click the Next button.
5. Choose the Add a TCP Connection option by clicking it, then click the Next button.
6. Click the OK button.
Back to Top
Reset Your Computer, Modem, and Router
Restarting your computer and resetting your broadband connection may help you get a better connection.
To restart your computer, modem, and router:
1. Click the Apple® menu, then click Shut Down....
2. Click the Shut Down button.
3. Unplug the power cord from your DSL or cable modem and, if you have one, your router.
4. Wait 30 seconds.
5. Plug the power cord in to your DSL modem.
6. If you have a router, plug the power cord in to your router.
7. Turn on your computer.
Back to Top
Trash the Data Folders
The Data folders contain temporary files that may be causing the issue with your connection.
To trash the Data folders:
1. Double-click the MAC HD icon.
2. Double-click the Users folder.
3. Double-click the Shared folder.
4. Double-click the America Online folder.
5. Drag any folder beginning with Data to the Trash folder. The Data folders will be followed by a date.
6. Close theAmerica Online window.
Back to Top
Backup Personal Files, then Uninstall and Reinstall the AOL Software
When You uninstall the AOL® software, you will have to back up your personal files before uninstalling the AOL software.
To backup personal files:
1. Double-click the MAC HD icon.
2. Double-click the Users folder.
3. Double-click the Shared folder.
4. Double-click the America Online folder.
5. Drag only the filing cabinet or screen name icons to the desktop, there will be one for each screen name on the account.
6. Click the back arrow to go back one window to the Shared folder and drag the America Online folder to the Trash. (No data loss will occur. At this point, the only remaining files in this folder are cached files that will rebuild).
7. Click the Red Dot in the left corner of the window to close all windows that were opened.
To uninstall the AOL software:
1. Click the Go menu, then select Applications.
2. Drag the AOL file you wish to remove to the Trash.
3. Repeat this for all copies of AOL you wish to remove. (AOL old, etc.)
4. Click the Red Dots to close all windows.
5. Click the Go menu, then select Home.
6. Double-click the Library folder.
7. Double-click the Preferences folder.
8. Drag the America Online folder to the Trash.
9. Click the Red Dots to close all open windows.
10. Drag any America Online icons on the desktop to the Trash. To remove any AOL icons from the Dock, just drag them off the Dock.
To reinstall the AOL software:
1. Put an AOL® CD in the CD drive, then double-click the Install AOL icon.
2. In the upper left, choose Easy Install from the drop-down menu by clicking it, then click the Install button.
3. Click the OK button.
4. In the Mac OS Password or phrase: box, type the password, then click the OK button.
5. Click the Next button.
6. If you are connecting through a broadband connection or other ISP, click the Port: drop-down menu, click Internet Service Provider to select it, then click the Next button.
7. If necessary, confirm your dialing options, then click the Next button.
8. In the Area Code: box, type your area code, then click the Next button.
9. Click the Next button to begin retrieving access numbers, then follow the onscreen instructions to sign on to the AOL software.
Back to Top
