Startup program entry details:

AOL Companion (companion.exe)

This page expands upon the information already available for this entry in the Pacman's Portal Windows start-up programs database.

User's choice - depends whether a user deems it necessary

For further information on how to identify and disable startup programs please visit the Introduction page.

Description:

The AOL Companion is a small window that appears when you connect to the service using version 8.0 and early builds of version 9.0. "Use the Companion to quickly get to your favourite features, including your Buddy List, Favourite Places, Address Book, and more!"

Startup information:

Common/User Startup (Start → All Programs → Startup)

• Shortcut location (XP): C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\AOL Companion.lnk
• Shortcut location (Vista): N/A
• Target: "C:\Program Files\AOL Companion\companion.exe" /s

MSConfig (Start → Run → msconfig → Startup)

• Startup Item (XP): AOL Companion
• Startup Item (Vista/7): N/A
• Command: C:\PROGA~1\AOLCOM~1\COMPAN~1.EXE /s

Windows Defender (Start → All Programs → Windows Defender → Tools → Software Explorer)

• Name: Companion Module
• Link Command: C:\Program Files\AOL Companion\companion.exe /s

HijackThis (HJT) log examples:

O4 - Global Startup: AOL Companion.lnk = C:\Program Files\AOL Companion\companion.exe
O4 - Global Startup: AOL Companion.lnk=C:\Archivos de programa\AOL Companion\companion.exe
O4 - Global Startup: AOL Companion.lnk = C:\Programme\AOL Companion\companion.exe

Other information:

• File location: %ProgramFiles%\AOL Companion
• File properties "Description": Companion Module
• Purpose: AOL module
• Program disable option: System Tray icon → Auto Start Options → deselect "Automatically display AOL Companion"
• Shortcut(s) available: Start Menu, Desktop & Quick Launch
• Vendor/Publisher: America Online, Inc.
• Product(s): AOL
• Tested: Yes

Note:

• %ProgramFiles% - refers to the Program Files folder; typically the path is C:\Program Files

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