Reply #1: It *is* like a virus ... [View All]

[RoyGBiv]

AOL installs software on your system almost every time you connect. Some of that software messes with your system settings and will in effect disable networks. Try to uninstall it? Okay, but the uninstaller won't remove the "updates" AOL has done, so the problem remains.

As a part of my job, I help with tech support for people who have broadband connections. I've dealt with things like this a number of times. My company at one time had a marketing scheme that gave discounts for AOL users to try to lure them. We eventually abandoned it, not because it wasn't working, but because in the end it wasn't profitable. The call volume in the tech support center skyrocketed as well as the number of home visits necessary to try to fix the problems.