Microsoft KB Archive/294432

= Microsoft Referral Service Connection Does Not Work in the United Kingdom with Internet Explorer 4 =

Article ID: 294432

Article Last Modified on 10/13/2003

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 Service Pack 2
 * Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 Service Pack 1
 * Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 128-Bit Edition

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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 (&quot;clean&quot;) 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 &quot;The Big Number Change&quot; 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:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie

 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.

Additional query words: icw

Keywords: kbenv kbprb KB294432

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