How to Remove AOL in Windows XP

AOL offers its flagship AOL software to those who purchased its Internet services. Uninstall AOL on your Windows XP computer if you no longer use AOL to get online. This frees up space on your hard drive. All Windows XP computers have a built-in uninstaller feature to remove programs like AOL with just a few clicks of your mouse.

Instructions

1. Quit the AOL software if you have it running. Click "File" in the top menu bar and select "Quit" from the drop-down menu.

2. Click "Start" in the lower left corner of Windows XP.

3. Select "Control Panel." A new window will appear. Double-click "Add/Remove Programs." An alphabetical list of programs installed on your computer will now be displayed.

4. Click "America Online." Press "Change/Remove" in the lower right corner of the window.

5. Click which copies of the AOL software you want to uninstall if you have several versions on your Windows XP PC. Click "Next" and follow the on-screen prompts to uninstall.

6. Press "Finish" to complete the removal process. AOL is now removed from your Windows XP computer.

Tips & Warnings

• You may have AOL's official uninstaller on your computer, which is an alternative to using Windows XP's built-in removal process. Click "Start" and move your mouse over "All Programs." Select the "AOL" or "America Online" folder. If you see "AOL Uninstaller" listed, click it. Click "Next" in the uninstaller's window and follow the on-screen prompts to remove AOL.

References

• "Microsoft Windows XP Inside Out;" Ed Bott, Carl Siechert and Craig Douglas; 2004
• AOL Support: Uninstall the AOL Software in Windows XP