Unable to install the AOL software

You may not be able to install the AOL software for any one of several reasons. After trying the first solution, check to see if you can install the software successfully. If you are still unable to install the software, 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.

Shut down, then restart the computer and try again

Install the AOL software from the desktop in safe mode

If you are unable to install the AOL software, you can copy the setup file to your desktop and install it from the desktop while in Safe Mode.

1. Insert an AOL CD into the CD drive.

Note: If the AOL software starts to automatically install, click the X button to close the installation window.

2. Double-click the My Computer icon on your desktop.
3. Click the Tools or View drop-down menu, then click Options or Folder Options.
4. Click the View tab, choose the Show All Files option by clicking it, then click the OK button.
5. On the My Computer window, right-click TryAOL (D:), then click Explore.
6. Right-click the AOL folder that corresponds to the version you wish to install, then click Copy.
7. Click the X button in the upper right of the window to close it.
8. Right-click the desktop in a place where there are no icons, then click Paste.
9. Shut down your computer
10. Leave the computer off for about 30 seconds, then restart the computer.
11. Tap the F8 key on the keyboard until you receive the Windows Startup menu.
12. Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to highlight Safe Mode (usually option 3), then tap the Enter key on the keyboard. The computer will indicate when it has reached Safe Mode.
13. Double-click the AOL folder that you just pasted on the desktop, double-click the setup.exe file, then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.

Clear temporary files

Clearing the temporary files is helpful in removing unused files which the computer has used temporarily, but no longer needs. These may be files created during the install of software, opening of compressed files (such as .zip files), or other temporary uses.

To clear the temporary files:

1. Click the Start button, select All Programs or Programs, then Accessories, System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup. The computer will scan for files to clean up.
2. Click the box next to Temporary files to place a tick mark in it, then click the OK button.
3. Click the Yes button.

Run Scandisk and Disk Defragmenter

Scandisk and Disk Defragmenter are helpful tools for maintaining your computer's efficiency. These tools alert you to potential problems on your hard drive and return files to their correct location so your computer can find them more quickly the next time they are needed. This is routine maintenance for your computer.

Note: The following steps will guide you through using your computer's Scandisk and Disk Defragmenter tools. Running Scandisk and Defragmenter can take time. It is recommended that you finish using the computer for the day and let them run overnight. Please temporarily disable all running programs using Task Manager (Ctrl-Alt-Delete) before running Scandisk and Defragmenter to prevent interruptions.

To run Scandisk and Disk Defragmenter on Windows 2000/XP:
1. Click the Start button, then click My Computer.
2. Right-click the (C:) drive, then click Properties.
3. Click the Tools tab.
4. Click the Check Now... button. This should take a while to complete.
5. Once the scan is completed, click the Start button, then click My Computer.
6. Right-click the (C:) drive, then click Properties.
7. Click the Tools tab.
8. Click the Defragment Now... button.
9. Click the Defragment button.

To run Scandisk and Disk Defragmenter on Windows 95/98/Me:
1. Click the Start button, then click Run.
2. In the box, type scandisk, then click the OK button.
3. Highlight the drive you wish to scan, normally (C:), choose the Thorough option by clicking it, then click the Start button. This should take a while to complete.
4. Once the scan is completed, click the Start button, then click Run.
5. In the box, type defrag, then click the OK button.
6. Verify the local hard drive is selected, normally (C:), then click the OK button.