How to disable the AOL proxy
This is the response from AOL tech support. This has worked for many users. If these instructions do not work for you please contact AOL tech support and ask them to help you "Turn off the proxy".
IF THE MSIE 4.0 SOFTWARE IS ALREADY INSTALLED TRY THIS FIRST: CONFIGURE BROWSER "CONNECTIONS" TAB NOTE: This cannot be done from the PREFERENCES within AOL. It has to be done through the external browser because this setting is only available in the external browser. 1. Navigate to the Internet Explorer Icon on the Desktop of Windows 95. The new icon for MSIE 4.0 is a blue "e" with a swirl on the logo. 2. Right-Click on the icon and select PROPERTIES. 3. Click on the CONNECTIONS Tab. 4. Make sure that the box labeled "CONNECT TO THE INTERNET USING A LOCAL ACCESS NETWORK" is selected. 5. Make sure the box labeled "ACCESS THE INTERNET USING A PROXY SERVER" is NOT selected. 6. Click on APPLY then on OK. 7. Sign on and try again.Also note that many users just Download Netscape and have no problems whatsoever.
