OL97: Unexpected Logon Screen When Starting Outlook

• Microsoft Outlook 97

SYMPTOMS

When you start Microsoft Outlook 97, an unexpected MSN the Microsoft Network or Internet Service log on screen may appear. If you cancel the log on screen, it repeatedly appears every few seconds. The log on screen appears even if the MSN or Internet service is not part of the current profile.

CAUSE

A property associated with the Internet connection settings of Microsoft Windows 95 controls this behavior.

WORKAROUND

You can disable the unwanted log on screen by disabling the Internet property to "Connect to the Internet As Needed". Use one of the following two methods to disable this Internet connection property.

Method 1

1. On the Windows Desktop, use your right mouse button to click the Internet icon, and then click Properties on the shortcut menu.

2. In the Internet Properties dialog box, click the Connection tab to open the Connection properties.

3. Under Dialing, click to clear the "Connect to the Internet as needed" check box.

4. Click OK.

Method 2

1. On the Windows Desktop, click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel to open Control Panel.

2. In Control Panel, double-click the Internet icon to open the Internet Properties dialog box.

3. In the Internet Properties dialog box, click the Connection tab to open the Connection properties.

4. Under Dialing, click to clear the "Connect to the Internet as needed" check box.

5. Click OK.

MORE INFORMATION

Under "Connect to the Internet as Needed," there is a dial-up network connection name. If the specified connection is MSN, the MSN log on screen appears when you start Outlook. If the connection is an Internet Service, the Internet Service log on screen appears. Some setup scenarios turn this option on automatically; therefore, the problem may seem to happen for no apparent reason.

For information on how to solve this issue without removing the "Connect to the Internet as needed" option, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

   ARTICLE-ID:  Q167030
   TITLE     :  Using Exchange Client with IE Dial When Needed (AutoDial)

   ARTICLE-ID:  Q170524
   TITLE     :  How to Stop Outlook from Dialing Your ISP When Starting