XP Dial up Networking problem

[bob]

For the last 3 days I am forced to manually dial when I need to connect to the internet or dialup networking.

I checked settings but can't get it to automatically dial anymore.

[jeresimo]

If you are using your ISP's software, maybe it's time to re-install or update it?

[Redo40]

Hey Bob,
Try creating a new dialup connection.

[bob]

Redo40 - Same with any new dialup connection.

jeresimo - I have MSN - could be that I need to install the new version to make everything work again. I have a problem with that.

How to test..... I want to use the system restore to see if UPDATE messed up my system....how to restore last months working version.

The basic problem is that the modem is unable to automatically dial and XP pops a window making me dial the number myself.

[jeresimo]

Try unisntalling anr reinstalling your MSN software, but before you do it, first go to the Control Panel /Internet Option then click the Connection Tab and then put a tick mark on the NEVER DIAL A CONNECTION . HTH

[bob]

I found it. How it got checked is a mystery I may never solve.

Control panel - network connections - advanced - Operator Assisted Dialing.

The error was a window when using ANY dialup program - even hyperlink. The message window title was [Operator Assisted or Manual Dial]

The message was "Pick up handset and dial or ask the operator to dial. Press OK immediately after dialing, then replace the handset".

Thanx for the suggestions.