Windows ME, Internet Connection Sharing, modem always dials

[jwp]

I have 2 machines at home, Windows ME and Windows 98. I have shared the Internet Connection on Windows ME so that both systems use the same modem. Sharing the connection works. My problem is that whenever the Windows ME system is booted, it always starts dialing to make a connection. We try cancelling it, killing all the tasks running in the background, and it keeps coming back. It is incredibly persistent. This is real annoying when someone is using the phone for talking and the computer is turned on.

The question is: how can this be turned off so that connections are only made when we start AOL Instant messenger, check for email, or want to use Internet Explorer? Is there a configuration setting someplace that needs to be changed? If so, what is it?

Thanks.

 

[TraseKreucher]

I take it you are using IE 5.x? If so, have you already checked under the Tools menu - Internet Options - Connections - Dialup Settings to make sure that you have appropriate settings there?

Cheers,
~Trase

 

[FosTech]

Have a look in the system tray (left of the clock) to see if any running programs are trying to connect to the 'Net to update themselves etc. If so, you can probably disable this feature by right-clicking on the icon and choosing "Properties".
This might be the source of your undesired dialup problem.

Good luck,

Brett

 

[jwp]

Thanks FosTech. I checked out the programs in the system tray and found the culprit. The Attune program was set up to get "Intelligrams" automatically from the internet. When I turned that off, the problem was solved. I had mentioned this problem to someone else and they said they had the same problem. They solved it by unplugging the phone line from their modem. Maybe they can make use of your suggestion also.

Thanks again.

John