aol.exe
AOL by AOL Inc. (Signed)
Overview
There are 9 versions of aol.exe in the wild, the latest version being 9.7.1.1. By adding a startup entry to the run registry key, the file will be executed when the user logs into Windows. The average file size is about 49.8 KB. The file is a digitally signed and issued to AOL Inc. by VeriSign. Some variations of the file have been seen to be installed with the program ArcSoft PhotoImpression 6 from ArcSoft.
What is aol.exe?
aol.exe is the main user interface process for AOL Desktop. AOL Desktop is an internet suite produced by AOL that integrates a web browser, a media player and an instant messenger client. AOL Desktop is different from previous AOL browsers, which are still available. Its features are focused on browsing instead of email. For instance, one does not have to sign in to AOL in order to use it as a regular browser. In addition, non-AOL email accounts can be accessed through it.
About aol.exe (from AOL Inc.)
“The classic all-in-one AOL software is back with this better-than-ever update. AOL Desktop features enhanced browser performance and search bar, easier access to favorite websites like Facebook and Pa”
 Details
|
| File name: | aol.exe |
| Publisher: | AOL Inc. |
| Product name: | AOL |
| Description: | AOL Software |
| Typical file path: | C:\Program Files\aol desktop 9.6\aol.exe |
| Certificate |
| Issued to: | AOL Inc. |
| Authority (CA): | VeriSign |
| Effective date: | Thursday, December 10, 2009 |
| Expiration date: | Wednesday, July 25, 2012 |
Programs installed in
(Note, the programs listed below are for all versions of AOL.)
“ArcSoft PhotoImpression is imaging software for novice and skilled users alike, packed with new and improved tools for enhancing, printing, and getting creative with your favorite digital snapshots. B...”
Behaviors
(Note, the behaviors below are for all versions of aol.exe, select a unique version for details.)
Startup files (all users) run
Runs under the registry key 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run'
- 'StartAOL' → "C:\Program Files\AOL Desktop 9.6\AOL.EXE"
Startup files (user) run
Runs under the registry key 'HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run'
- 'AOL Fast Start' → "C:\Program Files\AOL Desktop 9.7\AOL.EXE" -b
Shell open commands
All file variations of aol.exe
Distribution by Windows OS
| OS version | distribution |
| Windows 7 Home Premium |
32.26% |
|
| Windows Vista Home Premium |
22.58% |
|
| Windows 8 Pro |
16.13% |
|
| Windows 8 |
12.90% |
|
| Windows 7 Professional |
6.45% |
|
| Windows 7 Ultimate |
3.23% |
|
| Windows 7 Home Basic |
3.23% |
|
| Windows 7 Ultimate N |
3.23% |
|
Distribution by country
United States installs about 96.77% of AOL.
Distribution by PC manufacturer
| PC Manufacturer | distribution |
| Dell |
42.11% |
|
| ASUS |
21.05% |
|
| Hewlett-Packard |
15.79% |
|
| Samsung |
10.53% |
|
| Acer |
10.53% |
|
