Hi Folks....I have Windows XP SP2 in a Dell laptop.  I use SBC for DSL.  Although I normally access the Web with either IE or Netscape, I recently installed AOL 9.0 in order to access the computer network of my employer.  Now, I'm finding that when I DO use AOL, I can no longer reach the Web with IE or Netscape.  After I run "system restore," to a previous date, everything is fine....until such time as I use AOL again.  Incidently, it is not the act of actually going into the company computer with AOL that triggers the problem, but just the act of bringing up the AOL browser and logging on.  I have a feeling that there is something about logging on to AOL that is making a change in the registry.  Am I on the right track?  Thanks for any help!What happens when you try to start those browsers? What do they say?Why do you have to use "AOL 9.0 in order to access the computer network of my employer"?  

I think what you're experiencing is exactly why I WOULD never use AOL.  They try to take control of your computer and force you to see the Internet through their eyes.
Hi Neil and Soybean...Thanks for your responses.  Neil, the error message is "www.yahoo.com not found.  Please check name and try again."  (this would be the same message I'd get if the DSL was down)  Soybean, I agree with you about AOL, but it's not in my HANDS.  The company has a contract with AOL to make home access of corporate computers possible.  I've had other issues with AOL in the past and have long since stopped using them for anything other than this.  This might be worth a try.  Download CCleaner and use it.  Be sure to include the Issues scan in your cleanup; that's the part that does some Registry cleaning.I'd suggest getting RID of AOL right now to get your machine back to normal. Make sure everything works including a few re-boots...when you're done with that create a new user and install the AOL garbage to that profile and use it to access work.

pastio.   8-)Soybean and Patio.....Thanks for the tips.  I downloaded "ccleaner" and ran it with minimal bad news. (I've been using a combo of spybot and adoware)  I also uninstalled and reinstalled AOL using a new user name.  So far so good.  Thanks for the suggestions.  Does this mean the problem is fixed or not?AOL  version 9.0   <<<  has got to be the worst software for an ISP  ever!
It is supposed to be loaded with malware and mis-direct stuff and I would  never use their products again.  I Quit their service Jan 2006, they are still trying to collect $$ from me. I would surf in a 1"X1" pixel window on the bottom of my screen and watch advertising all day long rather than use AOL ever again!
Yes, I am bitter* Neil....I thought it was fixed, as it worked for company login twice.  Now, it's exhibiting the same symptoms as the first post.  So, I've uninstalled AOL 9.0 (again!) and wil try installing AOL 7.0, which I have on an old disc.  I used to use ver 7, and had no problems.  I'll let you know.  My God!!!The title of the post........"strangeness with AOL"self explanatory.

Those people were first before they were last.LOL!

Please forgive me cloudrest.I'm not laughing at you,laughing with you.version 7.0  is about the only half decent ONE they had before all the patriot act & NSC stuff was added to their database, i'm being kooky here but just wait and see how many times they try to keep downloading add-ons to version 7  when u try to log off each time! The "you will not receive any additional charges during this download"  will drive u insane.