Hi people,
This is an easy one. My computer dials up my server without my directions. It is really very annoying. I have dial up service which is adequate for me. I have shut down all of the automatic updates and don't know where to look for the errant program. I have used task manager to track at start-up but didn't see which program is doing it. Please don't tell me to shut down all of the programs and start them one-by-one!
Is there an easy way of fixing this?

You can't say it is easy then put restrictions on not doing something!

More than likely you have an updater service that is trying to access the internet...The application will continue to do so till it is either shut down or allowed to proceed. There should have been some kind of message that a program was trying to access the internet...allow?....disallow?

It can also be malware and spyware trying to send your personal information back to who-ever.

First thing first. Run all your anti-virus and anti-malware/spyware programs and make sure that your system is clean. Then go online and download winpatrol (free).

Winpatrol is an application manager that watches your system. It will tell you that something is trying to access the internet and then will allow you to stop the service or delete it or just stop it from auto starting.

lurkswithin

Sure I can!
I run Spybot, PCTools antivirus and FinJan for Firefox and keep them current and updated. They all show clean scans.

Thanks for the advice on Winpatrol. I'll try it.

iamwotiam

Thanks lurkswithin!
Google was trying to phone home.