Annoying "Dial Up Connection" Dialog Box

[Cappy]

My Desktop Computer uses Windows XP HE Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 1 Build
2600. It is networked in my home to a Windows XP Laptop using a cross over
cable. When the computers are sitting idle and at other times it on a
regular basis causes the "Dial Up Connection" dialog box to appear. It is
there to make it easy for me to log on to the internet - I guess anyway.
The problem is that before I can do anything I have to "X" out not only one,
but sometimes as high as 10 of these windows before I can proceed. The
windows align on top of each other. I have tried different settings, read
help, etc. to no avail. I do not want this window to ever appear. Where can
I kill it?

Description of the unwanted window: It is titled "Dial Up Connection" and
contains the following information: Connect to:, User name, Password, Save
password, Connect automatically. Towards the bottom it has rectangular push
buttons as follows: Connect, Settings, & Cancel

I feel that I should be able to get rid of the dialog box, but have given
up. Thanks in advance
Cappy

 

[Roberto]

My Desktop Computer uses Windows XP HE Version 5.1.2600 Service Pack 1
Build
2600. It is networked in my home to a Windows XP Laptop using a cross
over
cable. When the computers are sitting idle and at other times it on a
regular basis causes the "Dial Up Connection" dialog box to appear. It is
there to make it easy for me to log on to the internet - I guess anyway.
The problem is that before I can do anything I have to "X" out not only
one,
but sometimes as high as 10 of these windows before I can proceed. The
windows align on top of each other. I have tried different settings, read
help, etc. to no avail. I do not want this window to ever appear. Where
can
I kill it?

Description of the unwanted window: It is titled "Dial Up Connection" and
contains the following information: Connect to:, User name, Password,
Save
password, Connect automatically. Towards the bottom it has rectangular
push
buttons as follows: Connect, Settings, & Cancel

I feel that I should be able to get rid of the dialog box, but have
given
up. Thanks in advance
Cappy

This behaviour can be caused by "something" trying to phone home, do a
thorough virus/malware scan to ensure your machine is clean.
D/L the following and run them both from Safe Mode after deleting all temp
files.
Sysclean http://www.trendmicro.com/download/dcs.asp
latest patern files http://www.trendmicro.com/download/viruspattern.asp
Ad-Aware http://www.lavasoft.de

If you are sure your machine is clean read this article
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=316530

rgds
Roberto

 

[PA Bear]

From your headers: Microsoft Outlook Express 6.00.2800.1409

Are you posting here from the machine in question?

 

[Cappy]

To Robert,
Sorry for my slow response - was out bowling until 2:100 AM. Ha!
The answer to you question is Yes, I am posting from the machine that
has the problem.
Cappy

 

[PA Bear]

Please put the "dial up connection" problem aside for a bit to address
something much more important: You are running outdated and incredibly
less-secure versions of OE, IE and Windows (WinXP SP1, support for which
ends Oct-06)!

1a. Check in at Windows Update ASAP to install Windows XP SP2 & reboot.

1b. Return to Windows Update and install all critical updates offered.
Follow all prompts.

2. Enable Automatic Updates and configure it to your liking.

Description of the Automatic Updates feature in Windows:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/294871

How to configure and use Automatic Updates in WinXP:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=306525

How to schedule automatic updates in WinXP, Win2K and Win2K03
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=327838

3. Adhere to everything on the following web-page:

Protect Your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/

If you don't have an anti-virus application installed, get one installed
now. Make sure its definitions are fully up-to-date and then run a full
system scan.

4. Does this unwanted connection dialogue box behavior persist now?
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE, Shell/User, Security), Aumha.org VSOP, DTS-L.org

To Robert,
Sorry for my slow response - was out bowling until 2:100 AM. Ha!
The answer to you question is Yes, I am posting from the machine that
has the problem.

 

[Cappy]

To PA Bear
I have another problem. While I am on line I get an error message:
"Generic Host Process Error - must shut down" at that point even though I
appear to be on line the computer freezes and the only fix I have is to
completely shut down and reboot and then log on again.
I doubt very much if i could download the 75 MB SP2 upgrade and have
therefore sent away for the free CD offered by Microsoft. Microsoft says it
will be delivered in 4 to 6 weeks.
I played all the games with previous Windows starting with DOS and
Windows 3.1. I was hoping to just goof off with XP, but ....
OK, as much as hate to, it's time to get back to work with OS
maintenance. Ha!
Thanks PA Bear
Cappy

 

[PA Bear]

Run a /thorough/ check for hijackware before attempting to install SP2,
Cappy.

Check for Hijackware
http://aumha.org/a/parasite.htm
http://aumha.org/a/quickfix.htm
http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org/Darnit.htm
http://www.mvps.org/sramesh2k/Malware_Defence.htm
http://defendingyourmachine.blogspot.com/

When all else fails, HijackThis (http://aumha.net/downloads/hijackthis.zip)
is the preferred tool to use. It will help you to both identify and remove
any hijackware/spyware.

**Post your HijackThis log to http://forums.spywareinfo.com/,
http://castlecops.com/forum67.html, http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30 or
other appropriate forum for expert analysis, not here.**

=> Do not install SP2 until an expert gives your HijackThis log a clean bill
of health.

Also see:

What to Know Before Downloading/Installing SP2
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/sp2_whattoknow.mspx

Installing SP2 Step-by-Step
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insthowto

Troubleshooting Your Installation
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];xpsp2insttshoot

WinXP SP2 FAQ: What to do after installing SP2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;ln;xpsp2installed

Service Pack (any) Installation Checklist (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

WinXP SP2-specific Page (MVP Jupiter Jones)
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/xpsp2.htm

The hard disk space requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 2
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?kbid=837783