Bruce, the reason your computer signing on is that SOMETHING on your computer has tried to connect to the internet. AOL detects this attempt, and signs on. It could be a virus or something else.

AOL is actually immune to most e-mail viruses. You generally need to use Outlook or Outlook Express to catch an e-mail virus, but given the symptoms you describe, you really should consider doing the following:

I strongly suggest you go to a computer store or Best Buy or someplace and buy and Anti-Virus program for about $40. Norton or McAfee are pretty good. Now is not the time to worry about $40.

FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS EXACTLY!! Don't just install it. They have special instructions if you think your computer is already infected, which it sounds like it is. You will probably boot from a floppy or CD, but that's all in the emergency instructions.

No guarantee that this will save your files, but it's your best chance. Doing a complete restore will probably also cure computer, but you will definitely lose files. A partial restore will not fix the problem if it is a virus.

Good luck! Let us know how it turns out!

Jeff Wagg