I have good news and bad news.
THE BAD NEWS:
The built in dialer in the AOL browser authenticates differently that
the windows dialer, therefore you can't use the windows "New
Connection Wizard" to connect...
THE GOOD NEWS:
HOWEVER, there is a new feature in AOL 9.0 called the "AOL Dialer,"
which ..."dramatically changes the dial-up experience for users by
removing the need to connect using AOL's embedded dialer..."
SEE HERE:
Stand-Alone AOL Dialer - What is it? (ignore the reference to Tahiti,
that was the code-name for 9.0 while it was in beta)
http://forums.theideaweb.com/showthread.php?goto=lastpost&threadid=4843
The AOL Dialer is a utility which allows members to initiate an online
connection to AOL without opening the full AOL client. This allows
members to use other programs which require an online connection (such
as online games, web browsers, or update utilities), without opening
the AOL client to sign on.
If you don't have 9.0, I think it may very well work without
upgrading, you just need to get the dialer's "exe file" off any AOL
9.0 CD. You would put the AOL CD in your CD tray. Then, if your
computer auto-starts CD's, never fear, just cancel the program as it
comes up, then search the CD using START - SEARCH - ALL FILES AND
FOLDERS. At the next screen you must select your "CD DRIVE" in the
"LOOK IN" box. Then above that, type the name of the file: AOLDIAL.EXE
in the box that says; ALL OR PART OF THE FILE NAME.
When you locate it, drag or copy it to your desktop.
Double click it, hopefully it will work.
If not, you'll have to upgrade to 9.0
After upgrading to 9.0, there will be a new icon in the system tray:
the "AOL DIALER"
As a side note, after installing 9.0 and confirming that it functions
correctly, you may go to ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS in the CONTROL PANEL and
REMOVE ALL PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF AOL. This should make upgrading a bit
more palatable, and will certainly free up a considerable amount of
space on your Hard Drive..
Alternately, if you are REALLY against upgrading and can't find a CD,
you can call AOL and ask them to send you one, they'll be glad to do
it, for free of course.
Here's the AOL 9.0 Help File that talks about the dialer:
What is a Dialer?
http://help.channels.aol.com/article.adp?catId=3&sCId=301&sSCId=4176&articleId=218338
Remember, if you use the UPGRADE solution, you'll follow THE
INSTRUCTIONS AT THE LINK ABOVE to connect. Here they are again:
===============================================================================
To start the AOL Dialer
1. Click the AOL icon on your taskbar.
2. From the displayed menu, click AOL Connectivity and click "Start AOL Dialer."
===============================================================================
You can call AOL and ask them to send you the CD by calling this
number: 1-800-827-6364 --follow the prompt to TECHNICAL SUPPORT. I
called them to get this Answer, and it only took me about 3-4 minutes
to get a live person.
If you want the AOL dialer to be your default connection:
Select YES to the question:
Do you want to make the AOL Dialer your default connection program?
By selecting Yes, AOL Dialer will launch and prompt you to sign on
anytime an internet connection is required, but not currently
available (for example, if you open a web browser while you're not
signed online). You can change these settings at any time by going to:
START - SETTINGS - CONTROL PANEL - INTERNET OPTIONS - CONNECTIONS TAB.
In closing, I read several reports online about people USING the
Dialer, and the reports are that it dramatically speeds up you
Internet experience, even on dial-up. If you are really stuck with
AOL for some reason, I'd definitely take the time and trouble to do
this.
That's about all I can tell you.
If I can be of further assistance regarding connecting to AOL without
launching the AOL client, please don't hesitate to ask via the
"Request For Clarification" feature.
~~Cynthia
Search strategy:
Called AOL: 1-800-827-6364
"connect to AOL" "without launching aol"
"AOL Dialer" |
