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Windows Tip: Stop Idle Disconnect

Use this tip to avoid being disconnected from your ISP.

You're surfing for cheap tickets to Mexico and you have only five seconds to enter your bid. You run for the calendar, but when you return to your PC you're disconnected from the Net. No trip to Mexico for you.

If you find that your dialup often disconnects when you leave your PC, try changing the idle time.

Here's how:

In the Start menu, open Settings > Control Panel.
Click Internet Options.
Click the Connection tab.
Click the Settings button.
Click Advanced.
Uncheck the box next to "disconnected if idle for (blank) minutes."

Your ISP shouldn't disconnect you again without your permission. The only way this won't work is if your ISP is doing the disconnecting. Many ISPs will boot you off for an idle connection whether you want them to or not.