GIF images lose quality when viewed on Web site

When you use America Online (AOL) to view a Web site, images are displayed with poor picture quality and are a smaller file size.

This behavior can occur when the image is an .art file. (An .art file compresses graphics for faster download time.)

The .art file extension indicates a graphics file compressed using AOL's Johnson-Grace system that speeds the delivery of pictures to your computer because the graphics are compressed. These files can be viewed using your AOL software but can't be opened with most other programs.

To resolve this behavior, delete the relevant temporary file, and then disable the Compressed Graphics setting. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Start Windows Explorer.
2. Browse to C:\WINDOWS\Temporary Internet Files.
3. Right-click the temporary file associated with the distorted image, and then click Delete on the shortcut menu.
   
   When the confirmation message appears, click Yes.
4. Connect to the Internet by using AOL.
5. On the Settings menu, click Preferences, and then click Internet Properties (WWW).
6. In the Internet Properties dialog box, click the Web Graphics tab.
7. Click Do not use compressed graphics, click Apply, and then click OK.