HP Compaq Presario,Presario SR1925 Maintenance Manual page 14

Internet Access (continued)
Symptom
Web pages load slowly.
The AOL program comes up even
when it is not being used.
My Internet browser home page
changed to something I did not
want.
Unwanted pop-up advertisements
display on my PC when connected
to the Internet.
10
PC Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide
Possible solution
Verify that the correct modem speed and COM port are selected:
1 Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2 Click Printers and Other Hardware, if it is present.
3 Double-click Phone and Modem Options.
Select the Modems tab, and then click the Properties button.
4
In the Device status area, verify the modem is working properly.
5
In the Device usage area, verify the modem is enabled.
6
If there are further problems, click the Troubleshoot button, and follow the
7
onscreen instructions.
Note that Web pages do not always load as quickly as files stored on your PC. Web
pages may also load slowly if there is a high demand for the Web site at that time.
You may want to remove the AOL program.
To uninstall AOL:
Click Start on the taskbar.
1
Click Control Panel.
2
Double-click Add or Remove Programs.
3
Select America Online, click Change/Remove, and then follow the onscreen
4
instructions.
NOTE: Removing the AOL program will not cancel your account with AOL.
You may have spyware on your PC. Spyware is software that usually runs silently in
the background on your PC, collecting and sending information about you and your
use of the PC to another person or system on the Internet.
You can find and remove spyware from your PC by using any one of a number of
software programs available for this purpose. Many of the popular virus protection
programs have some tools that scan for and remove spyware from your PC.
To avoid getting spyware on your PC:
•
Do not install programs if you are not sure they come from reputable companies.
Check the company's Web site very 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 PC. Read the message in the window and make sure it is a
software program that you really want.
This is typically caused by adware or advertising-supported software.
You can configure your Web browser to block pop-ups (available by clicking Tools
and then Pop-up Blocker).
To remove adware from your PC, use the antispyware/adware program included on
your PC (select models only) or 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 PC.