Internet Access (continued)

Symptom

Possible solution

 

 

The AOL program opens even

You may want to remove the AOL program.

when it is not being used.

To uninstall AOL:

 

 

1 Click the Windows Vista start button, and then click

 

Control Panel.

 

2 Click Uninstall a program.

 

3 Select America Online, click Uninstall, and then follow the onscreen

 

instructions.

 

NOTE: Removing the AOL program will not cancel your account with AOL.

 

 

My Internet browser home

You may have spyware on your computer. Spyware is software that usually

page changed to something

runs silently in the background on your computer, collecting and sending

I did not want.

information about you and your use of the computer to another person or

 

system on the Internet.

 

You can find and remove spyware from your computer by using any one of a

 

number of software programs available for this purpose, including Windows

 

Defender.

 

To scan for spyware by using Windows Defender:

 

1 Click the Windows Vista start button, All Programs, and then

 

click Windows Defender.

 

2 Click Scan.

 

Many of the popular virus protection programs also include tools that scan for

 

and remove spyware from your computer.

 

To avoid getting spyware on your computer:

 

￿ Do not install programs if you are not sure they come from reputable

 

companies. Check the company Web site carefully for information about

 

what is included with the program.

 

￿ Do not automatically click Yes when a download window asks if it is OK

 

to install a program on your computer. Read the message in the window

 

and make sure it is a software program that you really want.

 

 

Unwanted pop-up

This is typically caused by adware or advertising-supported software.

advertisements display on my

You can configure your Web browser to block pop-ups. For example, in

computer when connected to

Internet Explorer, click Tools, and then click Pop-up Blocker.

the Internet.

To remove adware from your computer, use the antispyware/adware program

 

 

included on your computer (select models only), or use any number of

 

available software programs that remove adware programs.

 

Note that many of the popular antivirus programs have tools that scan for and

 

remove adware from your computer.

 

 

14Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide