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How can I stop my computer from connecting to the internet automatically?

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Summary: Your computer can automatically dial the internet for two reasons: it's configured to, or you have spyware. Both should be checked.

How can I stop my computer from connecting to the internet automatically?

Well, that depends on who's doing it.

The most common self-inflicted auto-dial is in Internet Options in either Internet Explorer or Outlook Express. In IE, Select Tools, Internet Options, and then the Connections tab. In the Dialup and Virtual Private Network Settings should be an option to "Never dial a connection".

The most common "accidental" auto-dial is spyware. Run a spyware checker such as Spybot Search and Destroy, or AdAware to check for spyware.

Update:

A reader suggested this possible solution as well:

In Windows, go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, and then Network Connections. Once there select Advanced on the menu bar, then Dial-Up Preferences, then check both boxes: "Always ask me before autodialing" and "Disable autodial while I am logged on". Then click OK.

Article C1964 - May 30, 2004

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Recent Comments
8 Comments

How can I get my printer to stop loading everytime I turn it on? A few months ago I downloaded some update features and the printer has not scanned anything since. It's a HP all in one and if you know anything that might could help, that'd be great!

Posted by: Andrea at September 30, 2006 2:15 PM

Hi,

i ve done all the steps as given above to stop my computer from connecting to internet, but i think it is set up problem, i initially made, wherein automatically logging into internet was prefered. Now i am unable to come out of it.

Please Help!!!!

Posted by: sujana at February 5, 2008 8:26 PM

Hi there, I had the same problem but was able to resolve it this way. When dial up is connecting automatically, hit the cancel button before it starts to dial. It displays opening port before it starts to dial with a cancel button underneath. After clicking on canel,it returns you to the origional dial up screen and you can untick connect automatically. It should not happen again.

Posted by: Natalie Baker at January 14, 2009 1:40 PM

I'm having a problem with the security tab on my Internet connection. On the Security Options under typical recommended settings I have checked the don't allow unsecured password - when I have done this it wont connect to the Internet, if I unchecked it and check Allow Unsecured password it seems to connect straight away. Why am I having this problem? can someone explain please. I have gone in and deleted the ISP and then started a new connection but it seems to go back to the same problem -Allow unsecured password..

Posted by: Yvonne Dette at October 20, 2009 2:37 PM

Actually, i wnat to information to stop internet connection. in my office we are using Local internet connection I am boss of my office but my collegue also use net I want to his internet connection how to stop his connection

Posted by: RAHUL at January 1, 2010 1:31 AM

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