Spyware Protection:
WinSock XP Fix

Before starting the steps shown here, read the recommendations in the WinSock Repair Techniques page.

1. Back up critical files

   Anytime you need to perform non-standard recovery techniques, it is always a good idea to back up your critical files first just in case your system is no longer bootable.

2. Back up your TCP/IP Settings
   If your system is not using DHCP to obtain a TCP/IP address, open network connections and record your TCP/IP information: IP Address, Netmask, Gateway, DNS Servers, domain prefixes.
   1. Start->Settings->Control Panel->Network Connections
   2. Right click on the Local Area Connection and select Properties.
   3. Double click on the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) entry to open the properties dialog.
   4. Record the information in the Use the following IP Address section.
   5. Record the information in the Use the following DNS server addresses section.
   6. Click the Advanced button and then the DNS tab.
   7. Record the information (if any) in the Append these DNS suffixes section.
   8. You may need to record other information, but these are the critical ones.
   
   
3. Let Winsock XP Fix back up your Registry
   
   1. Download the Winsock XP Fix utility from http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
      This utility will make a backup of parts of your Windows registry, reset your TCP/IP settings and replace your existing Winsock2 registry entries with a default set and replace your Hosts file with a default one.
   2. Launch the WinsockXPFix.exe
   3. On the Winsock and TCP Repair Utility screen, click ReG-Backup.
   4. On the Welcome screen, click OK.
   5. On the Backup to: screen, click OK.
   6. On the Folder does not exist question screen click Yes.
   7. You will see a status screen as your registry is being backed up.
   8. On the Registry backup is complete! screen, click OK.
   
   
4. Reset the Winsock Stack
   
   1. On the Winsock and TCP Repair Utility screen, click Fix.
   2. On the Apply the VB_Winsock fix? screen click Yes.
   3. The Winsock and TCP Repair Utility screen will display a status message.
   4. On the Repair Completed screen click OK to re-boot your computer.
   5. If your computer was not using DHCP, you will need to re-configure TCP/IP.
   6. You should have connectivity restored.

What to do if you still can't connect:

Refer to the WinSock Repair documentation.