Connect to Shows when I boot up

[keepingbusy]

Hi All
There probably is explanation for this! When I initially boot up my computer it goes through the motions etc and just prior to the Windows Login screen (We're using Windows ME), the "Connect To" opens. I've looked in all places I think could be causing the problem, but cant find the answer. One thing I have noticed is when it does open initially there is no password, but if I start up IE (Which is version 6 by the way) my password is saved and shown as normal. Another thing that happens is when we are off line and the computer dials up my provider without asking or prompt. This is obviously no good if the computer is switched on and there is no one present.
We have two computers networked (not sharing Internet connection), but the problems still occur even when one or the other is switched off.
I would be grateful for any direction or advice
Thanks in anticipation

KB When everything else is said and done, there will be nothing else to say or do! God Bless everyone....

 

[sidech]

In the "tools" menu in IE, open internet options, check the settings on the "connections" tab, and see if it is set to "Dial whenever a network connection is not present" this may cause the problem you are having. I set mine to never dial, and just use a shortcut on my desktop to login first. Also, if you use Outlook, set it to always use an existing internet connection. Good luck.

 

[keepingbusy]

sidech, I'll give it a try and post back a reply soon. Thanks for taking the time to reply
KB When everything else is said and done, there will be nothing else to say or do! God Bless everyone....

 

[keepingbusy]

Hi sidech
Tried that and it has solved the problem when booting up. The only problem now is when you double click on the IE shortcut, nothing happens. If I change my settings back to "Always dial my default connection", then double clicking the IE shortcut brings up the "connect to" screen as usual. Obviously I would much prefer not having that initial problem I posted, can you suggest anything?
Thanks
KB When everything else is said and done, there will be nothing else to say or do! God Bless everyone....

 

[Kento]

Download and run Ad-aware (free) and see if it finds any spyware trying to call home.

http://www.lsfileserv.com/index.html

If removing the spyware (if you have any) doesn't fix it then you might want to run a virus and trojan scan:

http://housecall.antivirus.com/

http://www.moosoft.com

--a trojan specific scanner.

 

[keepingbusy]

Hi Kento

Tried everything you suggested, the ad aware software did find some undesirables but now thats cleared, I still have the same problem. As mentioned, if I change the IE settings to never dial etc... its ok. My concern is the attempt for IE to dial up when I boot up the computer or worse still, if it's unattended.

Any other suggestions
Thanks in anticipation to all who may reply
KB When everything else is said and done, there will be nothing else to say or do! God Bless everyone....

 

[crisc]

Hmm. Something is needing to connect to the internet when your PC boots up. You just need to find out what it is...
Do you have any AV software installed? It may be trying to update the virus patterns automatically, and needs to connect to do this.
Anything in your Task Scheduler that might be triggering this?
Do you have an Instant messenger? These progs will try to dialup by themselves if they are set to login at boot as wll.

 

[keepingbusy]

Hi crisc

Yes, I do have anti virus software (Norton) so I'll take a look at that. I also have MSN messenger and I'll check the Task Manager as well. It's a bit fo strange one this, but I'm sure we'll get there in the end.

Thanks so far to all contributing to this thread

KB When everything else is said and done, there will be nothing else to say or do! God Bless everyone....

 

[keepingbusy]

Hi crisc

Managed to solve the problem at boot up. But after I log into windows, the system settles when all the "start ups" have finished. When thats complete, the Connect To appears again. Any other suggestions please (or from anyone)

Thanks in anticipation
KB When everything else is said and done, there will be nothing else to say or do! God Bless everyone....

 

[Kento]

"Managed to solve the problem at boot up."

How??

But download Startlog.com into a folder then doubleclick on it and run it. It'll create 2 text files on your desktop. Copy and paste the results of just Startlog (not the stubpaths file) to your reply here. It may shed some light on the problem.

http://home.earthlink.net/~rmbox/Reticulated/Only_IE.html

 

[keepingbusy]

Hi Kento

Sorry for the delay in replying back, just done a reformat of the hard drive, but still have the problem, in fact its worse now. The Connect To is still popping up.

Where do I find the file you've mentioned above? Searched my system for startlog.com but there isn't one (I'm using Windows ME)
Look forward to hearing from you
KB When everything else is said and done, there will be nothing else to say or do! God Bless everyone....

 

[Kento]

"Where do I find the file you've mentioned above?"

Umm, try the link I posted above. But do you have the latest version of zone alarm installed, version 3.something? It will cause the connect screen to appear and zone labs doesn't have a patch for it and I hear they aren't planning on releasing one.

 

[keepingbusy]

Hi Kento (Sorry I missed the link)

Just a bit frustrating with the hassle I've had. Any way, did another re-format of the hard drive, reinstalled Windows ME and kept IE version 5.50 with Outlook Express (also version 5). The system is now working like a dream, so I suppose I'll stick with the old saying, "If its not broke, don't fix it!!

Thanks to all those who responded to this thread, I am truly grateful
KB When everything else is said and done, there will be nothing else to say or do! God Bless everyone....