Microsoft Referral Service Connection Does Not Work in the United Kingdom with Internet Explorer 4 (294432)
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 for Windows 98 SP 2
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 for Windows 98 SP 1
- Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.x for Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q294432 SYMPTOMS
When you start the Internet Connection Wizard, if you select the
I want to sign up and configure my computer for a new Internet account option and you are a customer in the United Kingdom, your modem dials 0645 250101. You then see a dialog box that states:
The Internet Connection Wizard will now connect to the Microsoft Referral Service to retrieve a list of Internet Service Providers available in your area. Service Providers connect your computer to the Internet through your phone line.
However, the dial-up connection that is initiated does not connect using the 0645 250101 phone number.
This problem occurs only under the following conditions:
- You start Internet Explorer in a new ("clean") installation of Microsoft Windows 95 or Microsoft Windows 98.
- You start the Connect to the Internet desktop shortcut.
- You are not using Internet Explorer 5 or later.
CAUSE
From April 28, 2001, the 0645 prefix has been replaced with 08459 in the United Kingdom. This is part of "The Big Number Change" that also affects many other phone numbers in the United Kingdom. Please see http://www.numberchange.bt.com/ for help with telephone number changes in the United Kingdom. Microsoft provides third-party contact information to help you find technical support. This contact information may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this third-party contact information. RESOLUTION
To resolve this issue, use either of the following methods:
- Upgrade Internet Explorer to version 5.5 or later. This upgrades the Internet Connection Wizard with a new, valid phone number to dial for the Microsoft Referral Service. For information about obtaining the latest version of Internet Explorer, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
- Replace the 0645 250101 number with 08459 250101 after the connection does not work.
MORE INFORMATION
The initial connection to the Microsoft Referral Service provides a list of five Internet service providers (ISPs) that have subscribed to the Microsoft Referral Service for Internet Explorer 4.
If you experience a problem submitting your details to one of the ISPs, it is that ISP's responsibility to update its information to use the new phone number.
| Modification Type: | Major | Last Reviewed: | 10/13/2003 |
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| Keywords: | kbenv kbprb KB294432 |
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