Simply install the 'safe' version of AOL, version 5.0, on your computer and use it for your plain text mailing lists. Create or use one of your 8 allowed AOL screen names to subscribe to; and to read, send, and reply to the list's mail. AOL 5.0 will not send HTML or RTF encoded e-mail unless YOU add it (stationery/background; colored, bold, or italicized text; insert an image; etc.).
Place one of the ubiquitous free AOL 6.0, 7.0, or 8.0 CDs (available everywhere!) in your CD-ROM drive, hold down the shift key and close the tray to stop the autoplay feature. If that doesn't work, close the install window when it comes up. Then, using "Windows Explorer" or "My Computer", navigate to the AOL 5.0 folder (resident on all these CDs) and double-click on the 'setup' program file. Don't let the install program overwrite any other AOL version if prompted or asked during the AOL 5.0 install.
After the install, whenever you want to send plain text e-mail to any Internet Mailing list, simply close any later version of AOL, click on the AOL 5.0 version, sign on with your list-dedicated screen name and send your own list e-mails without worry of offending others with HTML or RTF encoded e-mail.
NOTE: An alternative if you are using AOL 6.0, 7.0 or 8.0 is to log on to AOL and select either Netscape or Internet Explorer as your browser. WARNING: Do not use AOL's web browser. Start either browser and type "www.aol.com" in the URL field. Sign on with your ScreenName and Password. Click on "AOL Mail". You will then be able to submit messages using AOL's AOL Mail on the Web service.
Starting with Netscape Communicator 6.2 AOL members can read and send AOL e-mail via the browser. The browser fully supports both HTML and plain text messages and even allows you to set specific domain names (e.g., mailing lists) to always send plain text.
Original material courtesy of Gerald E. Boyd.
Last modified:
May 24, 2007