Whenever there is a suspected security issue stopping a connection, the following should be among the first steps taken:
1) turn off all security programs
2) if using a wireless connection, try connecting directly
3) decrease the security settings in the modem / router
4) use MSconfig to turn off all start-up items in the system configuration

When you start MetaStock, it initializes any DLLs in the External Function DLL folder. As part of the initalization, Media Sentiments DLL prompts you for the user ID and password. It then tries to verify that against a database of subscribers through your internet connection. I do not have any information about the communication method, ports used, or protocols the DLL employs as this was all created by Media Sentiment. In general, you should not be prompted again unless it failed to log-in the first time

If you are using online data you may also be prompted to log into your data provider. This should look different from the prompt used by Media Sentiment. it may just be the text in the window or the title, but there will be a difference.