I want to STOP IE from starting automatically. In Win 98se, IE 6 launches automatically anytime (after) I get dial up connection through my isp. NOTE: IE isn't dialing, it starts AFTER the connection's made. I use Opera (set as default browser). IE is not in the "start up programs". It is also not in the registry under HKEY Current_User>Software>Microsoft>Windows>CurrentVersion>Run. It's not in msconfig under Startup Programs. I don't have this problem under other OS's. I've looked everywhere. Any ideas how to stop it?

This is just off the top of my head (never tried it): Go to IE/Tools/Internet Options/Programs tab Change the check mark at the bottom where it says "Internet Explorer should check to see whether it is the default browser". DerekW

Derek - Naw, that's way too simple. I've tried that - unchecked and checked. When checked, IE does ask if I want to make it my default browser (as it's opening uninvitedly). I looked for a button that said "Hell No," but couldn't find it. In my case, I think it's something much more obscure.

Some of those ISP's act like they're married to IE. That could be why it's coming up. You may just have to close IE and then open Opera.

Rename the executable from Iexplore.exe to Iexplore.not and see if that helps. If it causes problems you could always name it back.

Re #4. I had a similar idea (using a dummy Iexplore.exe) and tried it out before posting my #1. When I changed the file back back again my links wouldn't work until I restored the previous registry. I just thought you ought to know this. You also need to be aware that any registry cleaners you use (if any) might want to remove the registry entries because they won't find Iexplore.exe DerekW

Try HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run Life is more painless for those who are brainless.