Multiple Authentication Requests - External Access

If you are accessing a WSS or MOSS site externally and not via a VPN connection, you will be asked to re authenticate whenever opening a Microsoft Office document. This will slowly drive you mad.

To overcome this first add the SharePoint site to your trusted sites, then you need to tell Internet Explorer to automatically log on using the current username and password.

Do this from Internet Explorer's menu...

Tools > Internet Options > Security > Custom Level > User Authentication > Automatic logon with username and password

You should not be asked to log on when opening documents now.