We sincerely apologize for any inappropriate advertising you may have seen on AOL or our related properties. Rest assured, we’re always investigating any reports of inappropriate advertising. We’re confident that these offensive advertisements are being presented on AOL webpages in error and are most likely related to spyware or malware that resides on your computer.
Affected browsers: Microsoft Internet Explorer
Affected operating systems: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP/2000
Before you start
You will need to know the version of the Microsoft Windows operating system installed on your computer. You can find this information by following the steps given in the online help article Determining your version of Microsoft Windows
Tips to avoid spyware and malware
- Always keep your Microsoft Windows operating system up to date and ensure that the latest security updates are installed using the Windows Update utility.
- Use antivirus software to protect your computer from viruses and other malware and always keep your antivirus definitions and databases up-to-date.
- Run antivirus scanning or detection utilities on a regular basis to identify and remove malware that can infect your computer. After removing the malware, reboot your computer and scan it again to ensure that all harmful components have been deleted. Some malware programs are very persistent and can be difficult to completely remove.
- Protect your computer with a firewall, especially when using a broadband connection.
- Do not download an email attachment unless you trust who it's from.
- Do not open emails or respond to instant messages from someone you don't recognize or trust.
- Do not click on hyperlinks that you don't recognize or trust.
- Do not accept any downloads from websites that you don't recognize or trust.
- Be careful when downloading free programs, especially popular music and media sharing programs. Read all software licensing agreements carefully to understand what you're agreeing to install on your computer. Many popular applications include spyware components, and some of these applications won't work when these components are removed.
- Adjust your browser's security settings to provide at least “medium” levels of security. This is usually the default setting; if the level of security is lowered, your computer could be open to additional risk.
- Do not permit the installation of ActiveX controls that you haven't requested.
Solutions
Below you'll find solutions to help resolve your issue. Please try these in order – the first two will resolve most issues. The third suggestion is optional, and is intended only to help supply meaningful malware-related information to AOL Information Security.
1. Scan your computer for viruses and malware
2. Run the Microsoft Update Utility
3. Perform an optional AOL Security Check
Scan your computer for viruses and malware
Note: Please check to see that your McAfee software is updated by following the instructions given in our help article Using McAfee: Features Follow the instructions in that help article on how to manually update your McAfee virus software.
Your computer can contract viruses or spyware if you download certain software, open attachments received through emails or visit certain websites. This usually happens without your knowledge. Virus or spyware may cause the problem that you are currently experiencing. Please refer to the "Scan your computer with McAfee" header of our Using McAfee: Features article to find out how to scan your computer for virus and spyware.
If you use other brands of antivirus or anti-malware software programs, you will have to use the scan or detect functions within these programs. Follow the instructions given within these programs for the detection and removal of malware.
If you don't have security software installed on your computer, you can select and install one by going to safety.aol.com.
Run the Microsoft Update utility
Microsoft often releases patches that fix security holes and help protect your computer. By running the Microsoft Update utility and installing these security patches, you can help protect your computer.