installed remote desk - lost cable

Hi, I installed "remote desktop" on my windows ME computer
at my home so as to access my windows xp pro computer at
work via dial-up. Now, however, when I attempt to fire up
my optimum online cable connection (by clicking on the
explorer icon" on my desktop the "connect" box to connect
to the office computer pops up. If I shut it down the
computer displays my home page. But if I click on
anything it says I'm offline! Then it asks if I want to
connect. I say yes and the dial-up "connect" box appears
again. Any ideas as to whats happening here?

Thank you