when I turn on my pc, it wants to connect to the net by itself...
 

...or at least it would do if i had checked the box in the dial up connection window... any ideas why this window keeps opening when I start up my pc? i close it and it doesn't open again i notice... I haven't done anything like installing new progs or anything lately.

I have known RealPlayer do this as well as the Messenger Services aisleman mentions.

Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Config - if not there look in Windows/System/MSConfig.exe

Select 'Startup' - see what you've got, and remove the one causing it.

Have a look whats in your 'STARTUP' folder. It might be something in there trying to connect when you start your PC.

An old chestnut
 

This is a tricky one sometimes. I refer you to this thread and especially to this other one for advice.

May I suggest using a small programme called Startup Control Panel available free here . This is an easy way of seeing and managing what is running at any given time.

Hope you get it sorted.