Master AOL (Removal Instructions) - 2021 update
Master AOL Removal Guide
What is Master AOL?
Master AOL – an outdated program you should eliminate from your PC
Master AOL, otherwise known as Master.AOL is a potentially unwanted program developed by Mad Misery and was first seen being spread around the internet in 2004. Initially, the app was advertised as a tool that would provide an additional menu within the AOL client. Unfortunately, some users noticed that the program showed up on their systems seemingly out of nowhere – this is likely due to a deceptive distribution technique known as software bundling.
Name | Master AOL |
Type | Potentially unwanted program |
Function | Enhance the menu of AOL client software |
Distribution | Official website, third-party websites, compressed .zip files, software bundling |
Removal | Follow the steps below to uninstall the app from your Windows machine |
System fix | If this or any other programs caused your system to crash or suffer from various errors, use FortectIntego to fix system file damage automatically |
Once installed, Master AOL set itself to be launched with every Windows system boot and run processes in the background. The collection of a ZIP file that it includes the following:
- ReadMe.txt for AOL4.0
- master.aol for AOL4.0 and master.tol for AOL5.0
- diag.exe
- atoms.ada
- atomdbug.cfg
- amsvcr.dll
- ada32.dll
- ada.bin
As evident there are several versions of the app developed over time and some users might even find it useful. However, since AOL client is not longer relevant, you should get rid of this program for good.
In the best case scenario its processes are using computers' resources and at the worst, it could cause some system issues or registry errors. If that is the case for you, use FortectIntego to fix problems that are caused by potentially unwanted programs or malware.
Because the app could have been installed by users unintentionally, many were looking for Master AOL removal instructions. The background processes might cause some troubles with doing so easily however. Nonetheless, we recommend you access Apps and Features section on Windows and try to uninstall the app as per usual.
Keep in mind that, if you found this program on your system seemingly out of nowhere, it might be that there are other unknown apps installed as well. Just to be safe, you should perform a full system scan with anti-malware tool such as SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner.
Prevent installation of potentially unwanted programs easily
Potentially unwanted programs are not as dangerous as ransomware, rootkits, or similar malware. They never use software vulnerabilities or similar complex techniques to get installed on users' computers. Instead, deceptive advertisements with attractive offers are used; some ads may even claim that the system needs cleaning due to an alleged virus infection. Don't believe such claims.
Possibly the most successful PUP distribution technique is software bundling. It works as follows:
- Program distribution websites compile several apps into a standalone installer
- During the installation, users are not adequately shown which components are about to be installed
- Users do not pay close attention to the installation process and end up with programs they did not want.
Thus, always pick Advanced/Custom installation settings and remove all the ticks next to browser extensions, video players, download managers, and similar junkware that would clutter your PC, track your online activities and deliver intrusive ads.
Uninstall Master AOL easily
Some applications might cause difficulties when trying to uninstall them. In fact, many potentially unwanted programs such as adware are programmed in a way that would be difficult to eliminate. This is done deliberately for the program to stay on the system as long as possible and bring in money through ad revenue.
Master.AOL could be running background processes that would prevent its easy removal. Therefore, launch the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard and shutting down its task. Then, use the instructions below to uninstall the app as per usual. We also advise cleaning web browsers to remove cookies and other data that could cause some unexpected ads. Remember, a scan with anti-malware is always recommended.
You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
Getting rid of Master AOL. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data…
- Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of Master AOL registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting aol parasites
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.