Interesting thread this! I had all the problems aforesaid many a moon ago. The problem lay with AOL alright. At the time they were trying hard to collar the market - as we all know now they failed miserably.
My advice is get the hell out of AOL and Compuserve, they are still living in the past.
IE5.1 and Outlook Express 5.1 are terrific programs. I never have a problem with either and they offer so much if you set up correctly - but that's no big deal either. Best d/l from Microsoft, so easy.
Another piece of advice, if I may be so bold. I came across a freebie called FREENETNAME. What a blessing, EVERYTHING IS FREE 'cept the phone calls. I mean everything. No charges for tech support, no charge for your own domain name (normally a fortune) no charge for unlimited e-mails, no charge for access to the internet AND their server will log you on at around 45333ps if you have a 56k modem (minimum) - it depends on your phone line. Which BTW you should asked BT (151)- to increase the gain, they know what you mean.
Just go to
www.freenetname.co.uk sign up and here is the best bit. When you signed up you will have ALL the necessary settings for your computer are done automatically. IF...you press the right button. Leave it for about 10 minutes and you can use your new line what a great free gift.
I have been with them now for over two months and when you talk to them they are pure gents - or ladies.
Here endeth my best'est advice for today.
[This message has been edited by InFinRetirement (edited 30 January 2000).]