Resolved PC Dials up at random

Ever since downloading IE 8 (this might a coincidence of course) my PC will randomly dial up to my ISP (yes I'm still on dial up unfortunately) without prompting and without any need to.
Have since uninstalled IE 8 and gone back to IE 7 but problem still exists. I have tried my ISP help desk and they were quite sure I had some spyware or the like and I needed to scan for and remove the offending bugs.
I have tried two different spyware/adware scan and removal packages each of which found some bugs which I removed but problem still exists.
To the best of my ability I have checked all the usual connection settings and I think all is okay, in any case I hadn't changed anything when the problem started.
What else could it be please ??.

 

Hi there, it is probably some program on your computer such as your AV or Anti-spyware trying to dial home to get an update. Also could be MS Update doing it. To stop open your IE, go to Tools>Internet Options>Connections and click the "Never dial a connection" button. OK your way out.

With this option chosen you will have to manually dial out to get a connection, but should stop your PC from trying to dial out randomly.

On my PC I have turned off in all programs the option to automatically update. You just have to remember to periodically manually update any AV, Antispyware or MS security updates, etc.

 

Okay John, thanks for that. Will check all my progs for auto update settings but can't understand why everything has been o.k. for years then suddenly the problem came without any new software being added - unless of course the download of IE 8 changed some settings somewhere.

 

I would guess the d/l of IE8 possibly changed a few connection settings to the default for IE8 and caused the random dial-ups.

There is still the possiblity of malware doing it. I would suggest you head over to the malware forum. Read this before you post and follow the instructions for posting the scan logs.

 

Sorry haven't replied earlier, have been on holiday.
Looks as though the subject is getting a bit 'deep' for my ability now so guess I'll go with your original suggestion to set my connection to 'Never Dial a Connection'. No big hassle that way.
Thanks for your interest.