If you're trying to connect to AOL, but are being stopped at 'Step 1: Initialising DSL modem', try one or all of the following steps to resolve the issue:
Run a Dial-up Networking (DUN) Test
DUN Test using BT Voyager modem
1. Double-click the BT Voyager icon on the taskbar, normally bottom-right of the screen near the clock.
2. Click the AOL Test 1 button and wait for the test to finish. A pass/fail message will appear.
3. Repeat the above steps with the AOL Test 2 button.
DUN Tests using the Alcatel SpeedTouch modem
Use the Speedtouch dial-up icon on the desktop to carry out these tests. If the icon is not present please remove and reinstall the drivers.
1. Test 1: In the Username box type: (case sensitive) - ISUR_AOLDSL@americaonline.aol.com
In the Password box type: (case sensitive) - roughalien, and click Connect.
2. Test 2: In the Username box type: (case sensitive) - bt_test_user@startup_domain
Password: {leave this field blank}, and click Connect.
Proceed to the next step but if any of the tests fail, make a note of the DUN Error Code in case you need to contact Member Services.
Check your firewall software
Clear your modem setup
AOL 9.0: Run the 'I cannot get connected to the AOL service' Auto Fix:
Make sure that your broadband modem is connected and on and that AOL is offline.
1. Close all open programs, sign off AOL.
2. When offline, click Help (Located on the AOL Toolbar).
3. Click the + beside Resolving Problems, then click Solving common AOL problems.
4. Click I cannot get connected to the AOL service.
5. Close all programs (including AOL) and click Continue.
AOL 9.0 VR: Reset all locations
1. Close the AOL software.
2. Right-click the AOL icon in your Windows system tray (at the bottom right-hand corner of your screen, next to your PC's clock).
3. Select System Information, then click Connectivity in the left-hand column.
4. Click Reset Locations.
5. Click Yes, reset to confirm, then click OK.
6. Close the System Information window and restart your PC.
7. Start AOL and click Sign On to try to connect again.
AOL 8.0 & below:
1. Start the AOL software.
2. On the AOL Sign On Screen, click Setup and then click Expert Setup.
3. Click on the Devices tab, choose your modem from the list and click Delete.
4. Exit the AOL software and restart it again. AOL will attempt to auto-detect your modem.
5. Then try to connect to AOL again.
Repair the AOL Connectivity Service
The AOL Connectivity Service may have become corrupt. Follow the steps below to repair it:
AOL 9.0:
1. Click Start, then Settings, and Control Panel.
Windows XP users: click Start and Control Panel.
2. Double click Add/Remove programs or Change/Remove Programs. Windows XP users: Click Switch to classic view first if required.
3. Select AOL Connectivity Services and click Change/Remove.
4. Select Repair AOL Connectivity Services and click OK.
5. When complete, start AOL 9.0 and click Sign On. Follow the onscreen instructions to connect to AOL.
Remove and reinstall your broadband modem drivers
Remove and reinstall your AOL software
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