Connection problems related to Malware

You may not be able to connect to the AOL service because certain malicious programs could be interfering with the AOL software and preventing you from connecting to the AOL service. After trying the first solution, check to see if you are still facing the issue. If you are still facing connection issues, 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.

Information You Need

You will need to know what version of the Microsoft Windows operating system is installed on your computer. If you do not know how to find this information, follow the instructions in the online help article entitled How to Determine Which Version of Windows I Have.

Solutions

• Download aolconfix.exe
• Restart the Computer in Safe Mode with Network Support
• Run aolconnfix.exe in Safe Mode with Network Support

Download aolconfix.exe

The aolconfix.exe is a special program that you would need to download in order to fix the issue. Simply click the link below to download the fix.

To download aolconfix.exe:
1. Click to Download aolconfix.exe
2. Click the Open button.

Note: If the malware is not found, you will get a message stating so.

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Restart the Computer in Safe Mode with Network Support

Safe Mode is a special diagnostic mode with limited functionality, which allows you to perform a few simple tasks without interference from other running programs. While in Safe Mode, the desktop will look much larger and have minimal display capabilities. Under these circumstances, you will not be able to connect to the Internet while in this mode. These settings will be restored once you restart the computer normally.

To restart the computer in safe mode with network support:
1. Restart your computer:

• If using Windows 98,or Me click the Start button, then click Shut Down.... Choose the Restart option by clicking it, then click the OK button.
• If using Windows 2000, click the Start button, click Shut down..., click theWhat do you want your computer to do? drop-down menu to open it, select Restart, then click the OK button.
• If using Windows XP, then click the Start button, click Turn Off Computer..., then click the Restart button.

• If you see a Keyboard Failure error prompting you to press the F1 key, be sure to hold the F8 key after pressing theF1 key.
  
• If Windows appears to start into Normal Mode (not Safe Mode), complete the start up process, then return to step 1 and try again.

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Run aolconnfix.exe in Safe Mode with Network Support

Aolconnfix.exe is a special repair utility that will remove the offending malware and restore your system.

To run this utility:
1. Click the Start button, then clickRun....
2. When asked for the name of a program, click the Browse button, navigate to the aolconnfix.exe file you just downloaded, then click the Open button to run the program.
3. You will see a window with the message Please Wait. Wait for at least 30 seconds -- the window will close when the repair is complete.
4. Restart your computer:

• If using Windows 98, or Me click the Start button, then click Shut Down.... Choose the Restart option by clicking it, then click the OK button.
• If using Windows 2000, click the Start button, click Shut down..., click theWhat do you want your computer to do? drop-down menu to open it, select Restart, then click the OK button.
• If using Windows XP, then click the Start button, click Turn Off Computer..., then click the Restart button.

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