Unable to sign on to AIM

I had an older version of AIM, and after not being online for about a week, went to sign on. I received an error message stating "AOL Instant Messenger has encountered a problem and needs to close." When I looked at the details of the error, it said this:

AppName: aim.exe AppVer: 0.0.0.0 ModName: rtcdll.dll
ModVer: 5.1.2600.1351 Offset: 0000a45f

I uninstalled this version, installed a newer version (but not the most recent), and got the same message. Then I downloaded the newest version (5.9.3861), installed it in a different directory than I had been using previously, and tried signing on again. I received the exact same message. I also uninstalled the DeadAIM client that I use in tandem with AIM, and restarted once during this whole process. I also ran AdAware, all to no avail. I still am unable to sign on and receive the same message every time. I use Windows XP Home Edition. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

What would happen if I delete the .dll file that it says is giving me trouble?