IE 6, Connections/LAN settings grayed out

W2k laptop with IE6. We use NT Policies. When connected to the network I have full access to all IE settings. When offline I cannot get to the IE Options/Connections/LAN Settings option. It is grayed out. I am a system admin and have full rights to the laptop when offline. I can login to any other company laptop offline and I have full control. Something on this laptop causing the problem. Have already uninstalled and reinstalled IE6 w/o any luck. Some reg setting somewhere is screwing me.

Any ideas where to start?