Thanks, techie.

 I have downloaded AIM again to try your suggestions.  I can't find "Start AIM when Windows" in the AIM preferences.
 I found the firewall for Direct AIM Connections.  You have to have it set as far as I can tell.  Mine is on the 1st option, "Incoming, outgoing and AOL proxy server", which is their recommendation.  That could be the problem but don't know how to turn it off.
 I haven't had AIM on long enough to see if it is going to interfere again, nor have I rebooted to see whether it comes on with the start window again.  Good thing I do know how to "install and "uninstall"   :)
 Thanks.........Nancy