How to turn off prompt to log off Net in Internet Explorer 4

Question: Every time my husband closes Eudora Mail 4.1 or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 on his Windows 98 machine, a message comes on asking him if he wants to log off the Internet. I have searched and searched, changed his setting in IE’s options to make sure the timer was not on there. And what about Eudora? I have the same install on my Windows 95 machine, and I don’t get this message. –D.K.

Answer: There are a few things you should check. Here’s a help-by-numbers approach. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel and double-click on the Modems icon. Then:

1. Select the modem you use from the list that appears.
2. Click the Properties button
3. Click the Connection tab
4. Under Call preferences, uncheck Disconnect a call if idle for more than [number] mins

In Eudora mail:

1. Go to the Tools menu and pick Options.
2. On the left, scroll down to Advanced Network and click on that.
3. Look for the line “When Eudora established the connection” and uncheck the box next to Hang up after receiving and sending.

For those who want to do the same in Outlook Express:

1. Go to the Tools menu and pick Options.
2. Click on the Dial Up tab.
3. Uncheck the box next to Hang up when finished sending, receiving or downloading.