exploere.exe trying to connect to internet on startup

[kee-lo_]

I know Elaine is quite a wizz when it comes to XP probs, so I thought I'd ask

Everytime I boot up now, a dialup dialog turns up once Windows has booted. Looking on the firewall it says Windows Explorer. Blocking it doesn't help either.

The only things I have installed lately are iTunes and iPod system software, and after rebooting after each there's no problem.

I did install another program called Ripper 2 for ripping my old RealAudio files, but have uninstalled it, maybe it's got spyware

MSConfig doesn't have anything abnormal either.

[tellingd]

Do you mind if I ask, do you have 'always-on' broadband or do you dial up for the internet?

[kee-lo_]

I dial up like 56k.

[tellingd]

Hmm, don't know why but thought you were B/band

Oh well, Windows Exporer? Not Internet Explorer? I wonder why Windows Explorer is trying to dial up; unless an MS app is looking for a file that has a web address. Any MS s/ware installed or even used recently?

[VAIOneer]

Sounds unusually weird.

Do the s/w installs one at a time and see which is the culprit

[kee-lo_]

No, not added any new MS software.

I'll see how it goes with the installs.

[neildo]

Try ad-aware (http://www.lavasoft.de/ - freeware download) to see if any spyware has inflitrated your system.

Neildo.

[stevep-4]

Its probably you anti virus software looking for updates.....

[kee-lo_]

I updated it Steve.
Nielado, thanks - I'm using that and Spybot.