Hmmm.... Just remember that msconfig is a debuging tool and should not be used as a permanent solution.
First off, in whabang's link it seems that the PheonixNet "feature" can be disabled via BIOS option. There may also be a jumper to do so if it's an older motherboard.
Second, ZoneAlarm is your friend. ZA not only traps incoming Internet requests, but outgoing ones as well. You can simply disallow PheonixNET's Internet traffic all together.
Third, install SysInternals
TCPView which will give you a list of all Internet connections, including the application they're associated with and the destination IP.
Fourth, install and run
HijackThis. This will give you a good idea as to what "extra" software is launched at startup. If you've installed lost of some legit software already then the listing it generates may be long. If it's a fresh Win98 install, it should be fairly sparse. At any rate, click on the "Save Log", and save it to a text file somewhere, then copy it and paste it here in this thread and we can help you find what the offending program is.
Fifth, use SysInternal's
AutoRuns to track down and disable any spyware. This is the way it should be done and not through msconfig. You may end up editing the registry, but AutoRuns will take you to the place where you need to make the edit.
Sixth, install Lavasoft's
Ad-Aware (and get the LSP plugin as well).I think all the above should make your setup pretty spy-ware resistant for some time. :-)
- Mike
