For the last week or so I've been getting the default dialup box appear just as Windows is finishing loading.The address is shown as a random string of numbers % etc. I have cured the symtoms but ticking never dial up a connection in IE Options, but am more concerned about the cause. Any ideas?

Hi Dennis It could be an Auto Update for a program or maybe a program that requires an Internet connection for some reason eg Real Player or Yahoo Updater What about your Email program...might it be checking for mail ? You could also run a Spyware scanner and see if anything is trying to dial out eg porn dialler Many free programs contain Spyware and try to dial wherever possible. Run MSCONFIG, look at Startup tab for any suspect programs. Krystyna

Used to heppen to me before I got Broadband. It was Zonealarm checking for updates. Its a known issue, explained on their FAQ site

Think about what new stuff you have installed. One of those is most likely responsible. Anti-Virus software automatically scan the net for updates. Other programs such as Quicktime, Real Player, Media Player, Windows Update, Zone Alarm, Gozilla! (or similar download managers) also have auto update features which could attempt to dial up the net. Spyware programs can also do that. Some of these programs have options that allow you to switch this feature of. So it should be a case of what have you installed recently? then eliminate all posibilities or use the options available to switch off the feature responsible. Also follow up on Krystynas' suggestions they are sound. Hope it helps.