Dear Dirk,

Hi! I am Louie from America Online (AOL). As a Customer Care Consultant from the TechMail Department, it is my pleasure to assist you regarding any concerns you may have.

I understand from your recent email that you have a problem about getting ERROR AOL COMPANION when launching AOL.

Due to technical complications that have resulted in a backlog of mail, please accept my apology for the delay in responding to your e-mail and for the inconvenience that you have been experiencing.

I just received your e-mail forwarded to my personal attention and I want to assure you that I replied as soon as I read your message.

Kindly refer these information below that may help you solve this issue.

DELETE COMPANION FOLDER AND REINSTALL AOL 8.0
Damaged AOL Companion may cause this issue. Please delete the Companion folder and reinstall AOL 8.0.

TO DELETE THE COMPANION FOLDER, PLEASE FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW:

NOTE: Please close AOL. Click on File, and then click on Exit.

1. Click on START, select FIND, then click on FILES OR FOLDERS. 2. In the Named box, type

COMPANION

Ensure the Look in box lists the local hard drive (usually C:), select Include subfolders, then click on FIND NOW.

NOTE: In Windows 2000/Me, click on Start, select Search, and then click on Files or Folders. Type in the Search for files or folders named box, then click on Search Now.

NOTE: In Windows XP, click on Start, and then click on Search. Type in the all or part of the file name box, then click on Search.

3. After the search completes, click on EDIT on the menu bar, then click on SELECT ALL. 4. Click on FILE, then click on DELETE. 5. Click on YES to send the files to the Recycle Bin. 6. Click on the X in the upper right corner to close the Find window.

TO REINSTALL THE AOL 8.0 SOFTWARE, PLEASE REFER TO THE STEPS BELOW

NOTE: You may obtain a free copy of the AOL CD from many local retailers, including Circuit City, Barnes and Noble, Office Depot, and Office Max. Please call ahead and ask if they have an AOL CD available for you.

To download a copy of AOL, please visit the Web address below:

http://www.aol.com

To order a CD, please call the number below:

1-888-265-8002

NOTE: Before beginning installation, please close all other programs, including other versions of AOL. Click the Program on the Task Bar, than click the X in the upper right corner of the program's window to close it.

1. Insert the AOL CD into the CD drive.

NOTE: If the installation starts automatically, skip to step 5 below. If the installation does not start automatically, or if you are installing from a download rather than the CD, follow all the steps below.

2. Click START, select FIND, then click FILES OR FOLDERS.
3. In the Named box, type

SETUP*.EXE

Ensure the Look in box lists the local hard drive, normally (C:), or the CD drive, normally (D:), select Include subfolders, then click FIND NOW.

NOTE: In Windows 2000/Me, click Start, select Search, then click For Files or Folders. Type in the Search for files or folders named box, then click Search Now.

NOTE: In Windows XP, click Start, then click Search. Type in the All or part of the file name box, then click Search.

4. After the search completes, double-click the SETUP file that has an AOL icon (a white triangle on a blue background). 5. Click CURRENT MEMBERS. 6. Select Upgrading to a new version of AOL on this computer, then click NEXT. 7. Click YES to install the same version. 8. Select the most current copy of AOL, write down the Directory Name, then click NEXT. 9. Select COPY the files to the new version of AOL, then click NEXT. 10. Click CLICK HERE. 11. Click in the box at the top, tap the END key on your keyboard, then tap the BACKSPACE key to delete the last letter of the directory. If necessary, type a Letter at the end so the directory matches the directory you noted in step 8, then click DONE. 12. Click NEXT. The installation will run, then AOL will launch automatically.

Again, I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. If you require more help or have additional questions, you can reach us online by going to AOL Keyword: LIVE HELP. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will be able to experience interactive assistance from America Online consultants regarding your technical or billing concerns.

Thank you very much for giving me a chance to be of service to you. I always wish and hope you the best online experience!

Have an excellent day and take care!

Louie M.
Customer Care Consultant
The TechMail Department
America Online Inc.