You might try disabling your Network adapter. Perhaps the program will not realize you have internet access and go ahead. This may not be any different from what you are currently doing, but won't hurt to try.
What program or type of program is it? I know some games these days require a network connection for everything at first.
But HelpifIcan would be correct about the situation being built into the install, unless you have some setup where the laptop has to use the network, like a type of domain or work environment.