I use Windows 7/8 Firewall and these questions apply to both operating systems. I like to block outgoing connections which requires that I add a rule for each program/service, granting it permission to make an outbound connection. However, now I am experiencing a very long "Identifying Network" phase. I believe that this has always been in Win8CP, and has been introduced to Win7 at the time of the 17 or so Windows Updates that were released around May 8th, 2012. If I change the outbound setting back to allow, unless a block rule exists, which is the Windows default setting, then the very long "Identifying Network" phase drops down to a second or two. In other words the problem goes away. It is logical to conclude, therefore, that there is some windows program(s) and/or service(s) that are trying to check for an internet connection or are trying to make an outbound connection, for some reason. Does anyone know what this program/service might be? If I knew, then I could create an outbound rule for it and I would be back in business. Thanks in advance for any light you may shed on this. Charles S. Cotton

You should dig into Security Bulletin and see which updsate aims at this functionality. Alternatively you can use Process Monitor (Sysinternals) to find time intervals. Also try to do tests in clean booted system. I would inspect an-ons too and disable them for tests. Regards Milos

Thank you for your response.Charles S. Cotton