An exe file "preparing to access the internet"

NIS2011
Vista Home Premium 32 bit
Use a router

ok I have had this issue before but wondering some more.
In my history log I show taskeng.exe “preparing to access the internet”. when I look at the tasks in the task library function of Vista, I see no corresponding task. I delete the program from the program control but always comes back around the 7th if the month
I remember once when using an older Norton product I asked a similar question about exe files preparing to access the internet. I believe it was a staffer named Reese who said that “preparing to access the internet” did not necessarily mean going out to the world wide web.
So I’m wondering if what I’m seeing now that taskeng.exe is preparing to access the internet, does not mean its going out on the web, but maybe between my PC and router?
the taskeng.exe shows in windows/system32 location so I know the exe file is legit. Just have some concerns that maybe its being misused maliciously?
as I said I see no other program calling out at the same time. When I check the taskeng.exe program control rules there is no specific IP address that it is scheduled to go out to. Traffic is outbound port 80 and 53.
thinking its nothing to worry about but not 100% sure
Thanks