Logon problems due to AOL ACS Daemon

sighlentex · Mar 19, 2005

g1lgam3sh in the Software forums suggested i try asking this question here, so i'll give it a shot.

i've been having trouble with my computer since last Sunday (g1l was helping me) . i was unable to log onto my computer because it would freeze at the logon screen when i would enter my password and either MPREXE.exe or MSGSRV32.exe would show as Not Responding when i would press ctrl+alt+del.

finally, in the wee hours of this morning i had a breakthrough. through a process of re-adding programs two by two to my startup file through msconfig, i was able to figure out what was causing my computer to misbehave. (i'm almost to the point)

can anybody tell me what AOL ACS Daemon is, and how i can get rid of it?

thanks.

chaslang · Mar 19, 2005

Do you use AOL? I do not recognize the process by that description. What is the executable file name. Should be something ending with a .EXE

chaslang · Mar 19, 2005

Are you talking about the below file name (I included a description):

AOLacsd.exe is a part of the AOL Internet Software and relates to the connection driver, essential to Internet connection. This program is a non-essential system process, but should not be terminated unless suspected to be causing problems.

sighlentex · Mar 19, 2005

yes, chaslang, that would be the one.

i just spoke with AOHell's "Tech Support" and his miracle cure goes like this:

1. remove all aol from my computer
2. scandisk
3. defrag
4. use a 'fresh aol disk' to re-install aol.

i think i should stop at step 3...and when i am able to change ISP's that's what i'm gonna do.

chaslang · Mar 19, 2005

Yes, dumping AOL would be a very good idea in my opinion. That put so much unnecessary garbage on your PC much of which is not required and they do not ask for your permission.

If you cannot connect to the internet without it, how are you connecting now.

chaslang · Mar 19, 2005

As far as documented here: http://www.iamnotageek.com/a/AOLacsd.exe.php

It should not be required. It only monitors your connection. Perhaps you can live without while waiting to change ISP. And speaking of that, you are going to have fun speaking to someone from another country trying to tell them that you want to end you subscription with AOL. You'll see what I mean!!

sighlentex · Mar 19, 2005

that's what i want to know?

i had to laugh when tech support told me that the acs daemon was required and that i wouldn't be able to connect without it. here i am...and it's been disabled.

believe me, if i had my way i wouldn't be using AOL, but desperate times call for desperate measures, and until i can get DSL or cable...i'm stuck.

chaslang · Mar 19, 2005

You should see a line something like this:

O4 - HKLM\..\RunServices: [AolAcsDaemon1] "C:\PROGRAM FILES\COMMON FILES\AOL\ACS\AOLACSD.EXE"

in a HijackThis log. You can either have HJT fix the line which will stop it from loading. Or you can use msconfig to disable it from loading and renable if necessary.

sighlentex · Mar 19, 2005

yes, i used msconfig to disable it (after using trial and error to figure out that's where my problem was.) i guess i can't remove it from the software, so i'll just have to be satisfied with having it disabled.

thanks.

chaslang · Mar 19, 2005

You're welcome! That will work until you can "Escape from Hell."

g1lgam3sh · Mar 20, 2005

Useful, I'm glad I sent you here, I knew Chas or someone would know.

I must confess I have absolutely minimal exposure to AOL in over 25 years of computing but I will remember this particular problem

All knowlege is grist to the mill

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Logon problems due to AOL ACS Daemon

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