Member Avatar for ocnative1964

I am running a laptop with windows xp home version...

everytime i start the system within about 30 seconds the modem dials out... it is quite annoying and my wife hates it.

I am running mozilla 1.6 for both internet and mail....

the system has both IE and outlook installed, but they are rarely used...

i have checked in the options and properties for all these programs and I they all seem to be set to dial only when opened...

I have run ad aware and cw shredder and nothing new on the system...

any help would be more than appreciated.

thanks in advance:D

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Catweazle

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Following ’s finding that ZoneAlarm was doing the dialing, here’s a compact, practical checklist and a few safety notes to stop the modem dial on startup and to trace exactly what’s calling the modem.

  • Quick isolation: Exit ZoneAlarm completely before a cold boot (or disconnect the phone line) and observe whether the dial attempt still happens. If it stops, ZoneAlarm is the likely initiator; if not, continue diagnosis.
  • Stop the dial without disabling protection: Look in ZoneAlarm’s options for any “check for updates” / “auto‑update” or “update at startup” setting and turn that off, then reboot. Prefer scheduled/manual updates for non‑critical apps.
  • Find the exact culprit: Use the System Configuration utility (msconfig) or Microsoft Sysinternals Autoruns to disable nonessential startup entries and restart one group at a time until the dial stops. Check the Startup folder and Scheduled Tasks as well. For deeper tracing, Process Explorer / Process Monitor can show which process starts around the moment of the dial; Event Viewer’s System log often records RAS/rasclient events that include times and connection names.
  • Long‑term: moving to a DSL/cable gateway (a modem/router or combined gateway) removes the need for an analog PC dial and provides NAT/SPI perimeter protection. That reduces, but does not eliminate, the need for a host firewall and anti‑malware on the laptop.

Notes and cautions: leave antivirus auto‑update enabled and do not permanently disable a firewall just to stop a dial — instead disable only the specific auto‑update/check-at-start feature. As suggested, run additional anti‑malware scans if anything suspicious is found; and raised useful system‑wide and hardware‑gateway options worth considering for a permanent fix.

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Member Avatar for Catweazle

Have a look at the "Helping Yourself" sticky in the security section for links, and try both Spybot and Trojan Remover in addition to the tools you already use.

Member Avatar for JR85023

Not sure if the Internet Explorer options can effect the Mozilla options. But, Its worth a shoot - I would set the (Never Dial A Connection) option. Which is located in Internet Explorer-->Tools-->Internet Options-->Connections

All this will do is not allow any program to dial a connection. All Dialup connections must be initiated by YOU.
This is not a fix just a way to stop it while you research Catweazle Recommendations.

Member Avatar for ocnative1964

thanks I will try those options...

Member Avatar for ocnative1964

ok I think I have made some head way to sanity....

I was running Zone Alarm, that is supposed to be a firewall etc.... it seems to be what was dialing up, on startup.....

#1 is that program any good as a firewall?

#2 is there a way for it to work with out dialing out at startup...

thanks....

Member Avatar for DuncanIdaho

I used to love Zonealarm, but now I use a router with a hardware NAT firewall to protect my whole network.

My opinion, for what it's worth, Zonealarm's pretty good, but XP's firewall is pretty solid, too. Both will pass the ShieldsUp test at grc.com. Zonealarm does have some features above and beyond just a normal Firewall though, which is a definite plus, so if you're happy with it now, you should stick with it.

As for it dialing out, maybe you have it set to check for updates? (It's been some time since I used it, but I THINK it had the option to autoupdate). Hope I've helped. Good luck to you. :)

Member Avatar for Catweazle

ZoneAlarm is a very good firewall. I don't use it myself (I have a hardware firewall) so I can't give specifics about settings, but you'll find that any program of the sort which is trying to dial out on startup is loading and then trying to check for updates.

Check the preferences or options settings for the program, and disable any feature you find which sets it to automatically look for program updates as soon as it loads. Do the same for all your other software as well (except AntiVirus of course). Adopting a regular, scheduled practice of downloading and installing program updates manually.

Edit: Great minds think alike, eh?

heh heh heh......

Member Avatar for ocnative1964

yeah I thought thats what it was set for...i guess I will play with it a bit and go from there... hopefully soon i will also have a router for dsl or cable... does the network firewall come with that system???

thanks again...

Member Avatar for DuncanIdaho

Heheh, Catweazle...you said it. ;)

Member Avatar for Catweazle

If you're planning on purchasing new hardware, make sure it's a 'Modem/Router/Gateway' that you purchase, so you get all the features in the one unit. They can be purchased quite cheaply nowadays.

A hardware 'Gateway' or firewall is the best protection you can give yourself, I believe.

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