Pc keeps dialing the net when it boots up, etc.

My freinds running xp pro.

He has norton antivirus & zone alarm.

When the pc boots up it dials the internet, it also does it when he clicks on my computer & also when closing programmes.

Is there a way of finding out whats trying to dial up.

He hasnt allowed anything to acces the net via zonealrm that he doesn't know about.

We are both at a loss now, so all help will be appricated.

Regards

elvardo

 

Hello Pete and Elvardo,


The ZA that "phones home" was v3.1.395 of all three flavors, pro - free - ZAF. The bug was that it didn't wait for the user to establish a connection, but tried to do so on its own. Fixed in Subsequent versions.

The likely culprit here is the connection setting as Pete pointed out.

Regards - Charles

 

I've seen this with Norton also. Check on the settings/options for both applications.

 

Elvarado,
Another possibility is that some program may be set for automatic updates. Check your programs, such as anti-virus, spyware, firewall, etc. Look in their options or tools and uncheck automatic updates.
Worth a check!
Marty

 

Hello Marty & Suzette,

Checking for updates and initiating an internet connection are two different things. One is a bug, as in the case of the older version of ZA, or is malware, ie, dialer, etc.

I have lots of programs that have that option, but they don't try to connect if there is no connection established by the user.

You can control the looking for updates behavior either in the particular program's options or through the Firewall by denying "server" rights.

Regards - Charles

 

Fantastic reponse...Thanx...

Weve tried a few of the above mentioned suggestions, all to no avail..

Today he decide to go for bust & deleted all his documents, programes etc.. It was still doing it..

Eventually he figured it out, It happened to be Hotbar trying to update, which seems strange as he has had it on his Pc for many months with no problems untill about a week ago.

But may I say a very big thank you for all suggestions.

What a Forum..Thanx..

Regards

Elvardo

 

Hello Elvardo,

Hotbar = Malware

Your experience is not new.

Go to this site http://www.spywareinfo.com/yabbse/ and do a search on hotbar.

Regards - Charles

 

Hi charlesvar.

Thanx for the info. Nice link that.

Much appreciated.

Elvardo