Sometimes when attempting to upgrade or reinstall AOL, it will state that there is other communication software running which is preventing the install. The popup involved says this in long form, starting with “Your computer is running communication software that cannot”. Just now, an AOL tech showed me this method of easily overriding this. First, run the following:
sinf
This brings up the “AOL System Information” tool. Click on Utilities on the left column of buttons. Then, under “AOL Utilities”, click “Close AOL” to the right of the words “Close All AOL Programs”, and then click “Start” to the right of the words “AOL Process Shut Down”. You won’t get any feedback from either. But once these are done, shut down sinf, and try your install again.