OL98: (IMO) How to Prevent Outlook from Dialing ISP When Starting Up

When you start Microsoft Outlook, it may automatically try to make a dial- up connection. This article describes how to prevent Outlook from dialing the modem when starting so that you can work off-line. You can then make a connection manually, by clicking Tools, pointing to Send and Receive, and then clicking to choose the appropriate account.

You can have Outlook automatically dial on a scheduled basis with the timer initializing when Outlook starts; you must also select "Automatically dial when checking for new messages."

By default, Outlook will not automatically dial your Internet service provider (ISP) and check mail. If Outlook does automatically dial your ISP when starting, follow these steps to disable the scheduled connection:

1. On the Tools menu, click Options.
2. Click the Mail Delivery tab.
3. Under Dial-up Options, click to clear "Automatically dial when checking for new messages." Click OK.

If you have the option selected, it may be preferable to also have the option selected "Hang up when finished sending, receiving, or updating", otherwise your modem will remain connected.

For more information about configuring Internet Mail, please see the following articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: