If you are using multiple ISP's (as I am), you certainly do want "Never dial a connection" ticked!
It sounds as though one of your IE files may have become corrupted.
You could try going to Start; Settings; Control Panel; Add/Remove Programs; Install/Uninstall; and highlight "IE 5.5 and Internet Tools".
Click on Add/Remove, and you will get an option to "Repair".
Select this option and see if it improves the situation. It certainly will not do any harm! <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
[ 26 December 2001: Message edited by: WhiteSail ]</p>