Posted on 11/06/2025 6:00:42 AM PST by jimfr
I have been having alot of problems with AOL email service. Is there a way to down load all of my messages/contacts/attachments? And does any have a preferred email provider?
Because of convenience and how it’s connected to everything use Gmail for the generic.
Use https://proton.me/mail for private email.
Proton
I’ve never used AOL and don’t know how you use it so can’t really say of there’s a bulk download option.
If you go to AOL through a browser, you’ll probably have to do a “save as” for each email individually. You have to experiment with that because you may lose attachments and pics.
If you get to AOl using something like Microsoft Outlook, all your emails are probably already downloaded into Microsoft mail boxes that you can archive. However, you’d need Outlook to continue to read them in the future so you’d have to play the same game figuring out a way to save them so they can be read by browsers or text editors.
AOL in particular is a pain in a browser due to all the ads. If you're using a web browser, you can add your AOL account to Microsoft Mail on your computer. This video shows some of the nuances of setting it up:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=no5GI5A7MWY
Once you've added your AOL account to Microsoft Mail (or Outlook), you may find it works perfectly and that you don't need to switch to another mail provider. It's just... well, mail.
On a related note, the files in Microsoft Mail are stored on the hard drive and can be backed up or transferred to a new computer.
Thunderbird (Mozilla) can be configured to download all messages.
I have had terrible problems with AOL mail.
Son and SIL are both work in Tech and neither could fix the problem from my end.
They suggested I switch to G Mail - told me it’s the most stable.
Yeah...anything but AOL.
What is your specific problem?
How are you using AOL?
As a direct and paying AOL subscriber, or riding along on AOL as a former Verizon Email account that is allowed to remain a Verizon acct hosted now by AOL? The former gets AOL tech support while the later does not?
Second: do you just go to the AOL Email web page, or do you use an Email PC client application like Outlook or Thunderbird?
Third: If you use an Email PC client application is it configured for POP, or not?
Do you use Proton? If yes, the pros and cons from your view are, what? Do you also use an Email client application, like Outlook or Thunderbird, and if so do you POP your Email off Proton’s servers into your PC?
AOHell is still around? Wow. I haven’t received one of their CDs in decades.
Best of luck finding a solution, of course!
I can lend you my AOL CD
Gmail Passwords Confirmed Within 183 Million Account Infostealer Leak
We have had the same internet service provider for over 35 years. They have provided this as part of the cable TV bill. I have never seen an ad on any email in all that time. I don’t believe they look at the emails, either like the free ones do. There has been no additional charge for this.
Check with yours.
So, you haven’t moved in 35 years? I chose Proton for reported privacy...and I do have an outlook email for junk. Everyone should have 4 emails...according to “experts.” But, I am no expert.
sorry for going missing. part of the reasons have been because of the currents problems.
To answer some of your questions:
I’m using Firefox as the brouser. My email account is an old Verizon account which is serviced by AOL. To save money I have switched from Verizon provider to Xfinity as the provider. Just getting that switch took three days of instalation and phone calls. Now AOL appears to sense that I am using a different path to connect to email and requires a verification step using email or phone call. Previously, the phone call was by voice but now it is text, which my landline does not do. During one of the service call they generated a gmail account since the previous verizon second account cannot be opened up while trying the access my primary account. That worked but still the phone method is text and they say they don’t provide voice method even though I had it a few days before. At this point I have to pen up gmail to get to my verizon/AOL account. Even though, I clicked on the option to maintain the new verification. Also, as is typical, the techs answering the service call were asians with thick accents and could not understand nor speak english.
As you can imagine all my contacts for friends, family, insurance, bank ect and past emails are in the verizon/AOL account. To switch to another email account will be a huge effort.
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