Of recent months, my AOL screens freeze up, and I will have to totally exit the internet or do a Task Manager and end task for AOL. The only other thing that has worked for me is to literally SIT ON my Escape button until the page/s reload. I have done all of the preliminary cache cleans, defrags, AOL one-click fixes, etc... and would like some advice for other remedies.

Try uninstallling AOL and using ccleaner
CCleaner - Home (http://www.ccleaner.com/)
And then try and install AOL again to see if this helps

Are you looking for answers about problems with your AOL service?

I'd like to recommend that you ask AOL directly since they are best suited to help you.

For AOL support, you can visit the http://help.aol.com/aimhelp or even call them at an AOL Telephone Numbers (http://www.telcobusters.com/kh_aol_america_online_tollfree_telephone_numbers.s html).

You are paying for their service -- really think they should be helping you