What are WinSocks?
May 21, 2009
WinSocks (Windows Sockets) are routines that Windows uses to work with TCP/IP. In Windows they are found inside the WinSock.DLL file.
Applications using WinSock (Example IE)
|
WinSock.DLL
|
TCP/IP
|
Modem or Network Card
|
Network and/or Internet
Your application tells windows what it wants and windows informs WINSOCK.DLL and it translates the request into commands for TCP/IP, and TCP/IP does the rest.
Windows sockets settings may get corrupted due to the installation of a networking software, or perhaps due to Malware infestation. You will be able connect to the Internet, but the packets won’t transfer back and forth. And errors such as Page cannot be displayed may occur when using Internet Explorer.
Fortunately, starting with Windows XP SP2, a command for resetting the WinSock settings to default is available. You can use the Command Prompt Window to run the command;
NETSH WINSOCK RESET
Do note that you need to be in Administrator mode if you are running Windows Vista.
But with Windows XP SP1 and below, they have to be manually removed from the registry and TCP/IP needs to be reinstalled.
Sources:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/811259
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/winsock.htm
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/windows/winsock-faq/
