AOL Freezing up in XP

Have broadband AOL 9 optimized using with cox cable connection.
The cable connection also has IE 6
Using 2 gig clockspeed PC with XP.
My problem is that whenever I log on to AOL it freezes up within the first few minutes of usage.
Comcast IE 6 browser works flawlessly.
The problemonly occurs when I log on to AOL The freez ups always result in having to shut down my PC by turning off the PC's on off switch, and start all over again. This problem only affects my AOL software on my desktop. No problems on my laptop.
I have gone thru AOL tech support numerous times, eliminating all their usual suspected problems, and have even uninstalled and reinstalled AOL.
Now I am faced with the prospect of having to clean install XP by reformatting my HD.

Any possible solutions before I result to the dreaded reformat process????