Just have a question (I searched through here and did a google search....didn't see anyone else ask). Whenever I turn on my computer, Zone Alarm asks me if I want to allow Windows Explorer (explorer.exe) (NOT internet explorer) to access the internet. I said no a couple times.....it keeps trying to access to same IP: 239.255.255.250, port 1900. When I looked that up, I got this name as an address: "Internet Assigned Numbers Authority." Anybody else's explorer.exe do this? (Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I'm still learning about security issues/trojans, ports, etc.)

BTW: I have Windows ME, HP Pavilion 7840; using IE 6. The Windows Explorer version is a 5.5 number. Thanks

I have to let explorer.exe access internet,just dont allow server privlages.IE wont work without this.Have had this setup for a year now,no problems.

Okay, thanks Robert.

I have Norton Internet Security and I don't let Windows Explorer access the internet and I don't have any problems.

I have the same problem. DOES ANYONE KNOW WHY WINDOWS EXPLORER NEEDS TO ACCESS THE INTERNET BEFORE THE IE BROWSER WOULD EVEN WORK? I have just recent come across this problem after installing the P2P application AUDIOGALAXY. Before I installed this program, my IE browser always worked regardless of whether I gave Windows Explorer permission or not. But now it seems as though it is required. I have since deleted audiogalaxy from my hard drive.

Paul, that's the perfect question: "DOES ANYONE KNOW WHY WINDOWS EXPLORER NEEDS TO ACCESS THE INTERNET BEFORE THE IE BROWSER WOULD EVEN WORK?"

Mine wants to access even when I'm not on the internet. Zone Alarm show upward activity from it when it's not connected to the Internet.....which leaves me to believe that it can access through the telephone lines (I have dial up through AOL).

My config with Zone Alarm PRO acts just fine WITHOUT Windows Explorer being granted Internet rights. I have noticed some Zone Alarm activity when NOT on net (dial up) from Win Explorer, but it is blocked.
My guess as to why, would be the usual Microsoft "phoning home" spying.

I have used ZA and now ZApro and *always* deny Explorer internet access and without any problem.

Since when was it a browser? I'm not sure if my IE security settings apply to the Explorer either??.
Explorer stays where it belongs - and thats not roaming the internet!!

I have WIN ME & Zonealarm asks me exactly the same question, same IP ADDRESS & PORT NUMBER.
I never allow it access and my PC works fine.
Who and why is it calling ?

I just had the exact same experience of an Audiogalaxy download messing with Explorer/IE. Now, according to my firewall (Outpost)my computer only wants to access the internet through Windows explorer, IE doesn't even seem to try. I put some restrictions on how Explorer can access the internet, but if anyone knows how to fix the actual problem, I'd be much abliged.

i just found the solution to zone alarm not recognizing internet explorer... follow the "troubleshooting" option and ie will repair itself.

http://www.3dspotlight.com/tweaks/iexplorer/print.shtml

my zone alarm started recognizing ie again once i rebooted -- so i could tell it to not let windows explorer access to the internet. i also recommend getting ad-aware from download.com to see if you have any spyware.

I've posted the same question on several forums & to date not one single reply to explain why Windows Explorer tries to access the Internet or whether it needs to.

Running ZoneAlarm Pro, the moment I cold boot & Windows loads, the ZA alert pops up. I stopped allowing access several months back to Windows Explorer, but continue trying to find out why.

Also found it doesn't just try to access port 1900, but all ports from 1900 thru 5000, if you go into options in ZA and block port 1900 it just tries the next port & so on.

Port 1900 thru 5000 are known for their security risks of DOS & DDOS within SSDP, Microsoft spying of some sort is tops on my list of reasons for it wanting access.

I had the same problem with my firewall on Windows M.E.
Goto "Start"
Then "Settings"
Then "Control panel"
Double click the "Add/Remove Programs" Icon
Goto the "Windows Setup" Tab
Click on "Communications"
Click on "Details"
Then Un check "Universal Plug and Play"
Then Click "OK"
Then click "Apply"

Universal Plug and Play allows your computer to control networked plug and play hardware.
I removed mine and had no more problems.

it is Universal Plug and Play UDDI
go to the below web page for more info

http://www.chipcenter.com/eexpert/gdorman/gdorman035.html

I have been using the internet for ages with ie 6 and it has had no problems. However a couple of days ago when I connected to the net, windows explorer asked for access. I refused thinking microsoft spying again, but then then what my computer tells me is ie won't access the net. My firewall is zonealarm, I go to it grant windows explorer internet access and away I go ie works fine. But when i look at zonealarm again it doesn't how ie accessing the net but rather windows explorer. WHY IS THIS ???? and how can i stop it?

PS i run win98SE, have limewire (post trojan version)and the audiogalaxy satellite(had for ages before cureent problem). I also have norton antivirus which has detected no virus.

any help would be appreciated

Found this and was the only thing that would work for my Win 98 SE with Zone Alarm Pro!!!!!

Re: Windows
Explorer connects to the internet? Newsgroups:
microsoft.public.windowsme.general

First, download "Ad Adware", can download it at Tucows or Cnet. Run it and get rid of any Spywares!

Second, open Regedit
Start - Run (type) "regedit" (no quotes)

Export the key before editing the Registry, this is VERY important.

Scroll down to:
HKEY Current User
\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\BrowserNewProcess
"BrowseNewProcess"="yes"

In the right pane, highlight BrowseNewProcess
Right-click and select: Modify (change NO to YES)

.
On the next reboot ZA should not prompt you about Explorer.
Note: this is documented at the ZA website. (FAQ)