How to Do a Winsock Reset

Winsock, or Windows Socket, settings contain your computer's configuration for Internet connectivity. Winsock errors can occur when the settings get corrupted, usually because of spyware or Web browser hijacking. If you are having trouble opening websites, it could be due to corrupted Winsock settings.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 1

Click on the "Start" button. Click "Run." Type the word "cmd" in the open box. When the DOS screen comes up, type "netsh winsock reset." Press "Enter." Type "exit" to close the DOS window and go back to Windows.

2. 2

Restart the computer. Check to see if the problem is resolved. If it isn't, open the Windows Registry. Click "Start" and type "Run." Type "regedit" in the open box.

3. 3

Select "File" from the menu. Click "Export." Choose a location to export the Registry to. Name the exported file "backup.reg."

4. 4

Choose the key "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE." Click the plus sign to expand the key. Click the key "System" and expand it. Navigate to "CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock." Right-click the "Winsock" key and select "Delete." Click "Yes" to confirm the deletion.

5. 5

Navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock2." Right-click the "Winsock2" key and delete it. Click "Yes" to confirm. Exit the Registry Editor. Find the file "backup.reg" that you exported and save it to a CD or disk. Restart the computer.

6. 6

Right-click "My Network Places" on the desktop. Right-click the network connection icon. Click "Properties." Click "Install," "Protocol" and "Add." Click "Have Disk" and type in "c:\windows\inf." Click "OK."

7. 7

Choose "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" from the list of available protocols. If it does not appear, click "Start" and choose "Search." Check the options to search system folders, hidden files and folders, and subfolders. Search for the file "nettcpip.inf." Click "Install." Restart the computer.

Tips & Warnings

• A Winsock reset command will usually fix this problem. If it doesn't, you'll need to edit the Windows Registry to remove the corrupted keys, then reinstall the Internet connection protocol.

• Use extreme caution when editing the Registry. An error could result in serious problems that will require Windows to be reinstalled. Be sure all your files are backed up, and export the Registry to a backup copy before editing the Registry.

• Check antivirus and firewall applications after resetting Winsock. If a program no longer works, reinstall it.