Computer hangs or freezes while browsing the internet
Your AOL Browser software may hang or freeze for any one of several reasons. After trying the first solution, check to see if you can use your AOL Browser software normally. If your AOL Browser software continues to hang or freeze, 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.
Clear the AOL Browser cache
When you browse the web, graphics and text are downloaded to your computer. These files are known as Temporary Internet Files and are stored in the browser cache. Eventually these files may become damaged and cause pages to load incorrectly, or they may just build up and need to be cleared out. Depending on the number of stored files, clearing the cache may take a few minutes.
To clear the AOL Browser cache:
1. Click the Security menu, then click Select Footprints to Clear....
2. Next to Browser Cache, click the Clear button.
3. Click the Close button.
Reset Browser Settings
Resetting the browser settings for AOL Browser will restore the default programs and connections that are used to access the internet.
To reset browser settings:
1. Click the Tools menu, then select Settings....
2. Click the Internet Options button.
3. Click the Programs tab, then click the Reset Web Settings button.
4. Click the Yes button.
5. Click the Connections tab.
6. Under Choose Settings if you need to configure a proxy server for a connection, choose the Never dial a connection option to select it.
7. Click the OK button.
8. Click the Cancel button.
Verify that firewall software is not blocking the browser software
If firewall software has been installed on the computer, you should configure it to allow the AOL Browser software access to the internet or temporarily disable it and try using the AOL Browser software again. If successful, then you know that the firewall software is responsible for the problem.
Notes:
- If disabling the firewall software allows the service to work properly, you will not have any firewall protection at all. We recommend enabling the firewall immediately to ensure the protection of your computer. If you wish to continue using the firewall, you may be able to change the settings to work with the software. If you are unsure of how to do this, please refer to the firewall documentation or contact the software manufacturer for support.
- If you have recently uninstalled ZoneAlarm, please reinstall ZoneAlarm and set the security level to medium. The connection may not work until ZoneAlarm has been reinstalled.
Reboot your computer, broadband modem or modem router
The AOL Browser uses your existing broadband connection to access web pages. If the AOL Browser is having trouble getting information from web pages, it may hang while it is waiting for the information to arrive. Restarting your computer and resetting your broadband connection will allow AOL Browser to get the information it is requesting from web pages faster.
To reboot your computer, modem, and router:
1. Shut down your computer:
-- If using Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP Professional or Vista, click the Start button, then click Shut Down. Select Shut Down in the drop-down menu, then click the OK button.
-- If using Windows XP Home Edition, click the Start button, then click the Turn Off Computer button. Select Turn Off, then click the OK button.
Note: If you are a dial-up connection please wait 30 seconds, then skip to step 6.
2. Unplug the power cord from you cable or DSL modem and, if you have one, your router.
3. Wait 30 seconds.
4. Plug the power cord in to your cable or DSL modem.
5. If you have a router, plug the power cord in to your router.
6. Turn on your computer.
