I have an elderly relative still using AOL dial-up.

Can't change - don't ask...

Needless to say, the AOL experience is horrible - the computer constantly locks up.

When I use another dial-up ISP and IE - everything works fine.

Wondering if anyone knows a way to utilize the AOL dialup phone number but access the web via IE (without installing the AOL software)? If that can be done - I think I can get him use to checking his mail directly on the AOL.com web site.

[For example - I know that you can avoid using the MSN software and dial in directly if you put "MSN/" in front of your username ie: MSN/username. ]

Is there anything similar with AOL?

Did a google search and came up with one site that had a program called AOL direct connect - but am hesitant to try it - couldn't find it listed anywhere else (including AOL). BTW - I emailed AOL - but their technical support had no idea what I wanted to accomplish...DUH.

Thanks -

Nope, it's required to install the AOL software to dial into their network. However, you can minimize AOL and use 3rd party applications as, IE, Mozilla, etc. etc..

You can also try AOL Connect.