I had exactly this problem recently. I posted a query here and did as suggested (startup folder, selective startup etc)and it was no help whatsoever. I eventually realised there were two causes in my case: 1. One of your programs is searching for an update on startup; in my case it was a freeby personal firewall from Tiny. Check through the options of all your programs like the above, realplayer etc. 2. I am also pretty sure Windows update does a run-once check (after installing)for critical updates - if this run-once check fails for any reason it will keep trying. The reason it fails, in my case at least, is because the security settings of IE6 do not allow it to: I had to temporarily lower the security to allow the windows update to work, and to allow the Critical Update program in the Task Scheduler to a)download, and b)run the first time. F&*k knows why.. .If you sort the problem out there is no need to check "never dial a connection" as suggested elsewhere - this is a pain in the arse as IE will, indeed, never dial a connection even when you want it to.. .Hope you get it sorted.
[ 09 February 2002: Message edited by: chickenhawk66 ]
[ 09 February 2002: Message edited by: chickenhawk66 ]
[ 09 February 2002: Message edited by: chickenhawk66 ]</p>