TD,

AOL puts a few different “processes” on your computer. Among them…
One is for the application itself.
A second is for the Systray icon.
A third is used for the “onshutdown” updates…The little box that says AOL is updating files before shutting down.

The icon acts as a “process” and will run until it is removed as you now know.

If you look at the System Startup on a computer using AOL, you will be amazed at what runs.

Good luck,
Techie