RealPlayer autoDialing by it's lonesome

[Bullwinkle]

RealPlayer (G2) is autoDialing without being prompted. This utility was included within NetScrape 4.7 install. I've made efforts remove it from the system tray though it reappears most everytime an auto-dial is detected. Also, ZoneAlarm (ZA) regularly advises me that it (G2) is trying to connect to the net while I'm surfing. I could disable it via ZA but I'm keeping it at bay while I search for an answer. Is there a spyware aspect at work? Why is it, G2, dialing out without prompting?

I've a modem connection with a NIC in place (2 PCs only). I've received ZA warnings of NetBios accesses in direct or indirect link with G2 connection attempts. Have I something else here to worry about?

I'm not familiar with NetBios, other than as .ddl or .vxd files. I have dealt briefly with NetBeui during initial LAN setup. Is there any relationship? http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

*****************************side note*************************************

The latest freeware version of ZoneAlarm (I believe it is 2.16) is quite the little utility. I just might get the full paid version soon. I've also learned quite a bit using the 30 day freebie CookiePal. It's interesting to see who's sticking cookies on your machine that won't expire til nearly next century. Or cookies coming from sites you've never visited.
And for those who were delaying a download of the freebee InnoculateIT, it's no longer available. http://www.antivirus.cai.com/ darn my laziness.

[This message has been edited by Bullwinkle (edited 09-09-2001).]

[mjc]

Well you should be able to stop Real from loading at startup by going to View -> Preferences -> Start Center -> Settings and unchecking "enable Start Center". That should help some but won't eliminate all the attempts...also turning off the update notification (you can only do this for 30 days at a time).

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mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.dreamwater.org/tech/mjc/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.

[Paleo Pete]

Yes, I think spyware is a good possibility. Not only from Real PLayer, but Netscape as well. Check out the article on the Gibson Research (http://grc.com/downloaders.htm) page about both. Real Player may not actually be "phoning home" but since it's made by Real Networks, makers of Real Download, I strongly suspect it is. It does have an option that you can disable during installation that allows it to send information back to Real Networks, if you didn't disable that option it might be trying to get online and send info back to them. Netscape also has a download utility called Smart Download that does the same thing.

On the other hand, it's possible that a trojan, rather than Real Networks' or Netscape's products, is trying to get online...Automatic update features (Windows, McAffee, Norton etc.) could also be doing it.

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[sea69]

yep, Real Spyware Player.......

mjc has explained how to disable it, and from my viewpoint and personal experience, Innoculate was completely useless anyway!

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[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 09-12-2001).]