Rating: 5
Version tested: 1.2
WinsockXP is a little program that can restore internet and network connectivity in the event that it is lost due to the corruption of registry keys. It does this by restoring the TCP, Winsock, and Hosts file to their default, working settings/values.
Yesterday, it happened. I was installing new software that I was testing out for Freewaregenius, when this one program (which shall remain unnamed) errored out and refused to be launched upon installation. I was using Altiris SVS to install it, as I do for most of the programs I try these days, and I thought that maybe that had something to do with it (I’ve noticed that a handful of programs do not install well with SVS, and will work only if installed normally). This particular program looked respectable and well designed (at least in terms of the screenshots that I saw of it)…. so I decided to take a chance and install it normally. Again, it didn’t work. The same strange error. I quickly uninstalled it with Zsoft Uninstaller, my favorite uninstall program, and decided to moved on.
But then I noticed that it had become impossible for me to get on the internet, or get any access to the network at work for that matter. My network admin person at work took a look and confirmed that the reason I couldn’t connect was because something was changed on my machine. Naturally, the first thing that came to my mind was …. yaaaaaay!! I finally can test WinsockXP, a program that I had looked at and read about many months ago and that I was not able to test first hand. Until now, that is.
Needless to say, it worked. I simply ran the WinsockXP program executable, backed up my registry, and clicked the ’Fix’ button. After reboot, I was able to connect to both the internet and the network just like magic. Here are some notes on this program:
- WinsockXP does not come with a guarantee that it will fix any particular problem that you may have with your connection.
- I’ve read reports where, although WinsockXP had successfully restored connectivity, people had to sometimes reinstall their email or other software to get them to work. I’ve also read reports where WinsockXP was not successful in restoring connectivity at all.
- WinsockXP provides the option to back-up the registry to a folder of your choosing before performing its interventions. You can then use the “ERDNT.EXE” executable in that folder to restore the backup. When I tried this I did get a few strange errors such as “no registry values found for x”, although it did create a folder with an executable and other contents; not sure if this is the way it should be, but it hardly matters if the other option is to do a system restore anyway.
The Verdict: if you have a connectivity problem try this fix before you do a system restore or anything drastic; it will probably work. Download this program now and put it on your hard drive, as you wont be able to do so if and when the time comes that you need it.
Compatibility: Windows 9x/ME/2k/XP (contrary to the program’s name). No information on Vista.
Go here to get ver 1.2; note that this program is no longer supported and the developer’s home page is no longer accessible.
It may be too soon to say, but I do believe you saved the day for me and my home network. Constant disconnects seem to be a thing of the past and file sharing works beautifully again. Thank you Sir.
(Constant reader, first reply)
You’re welcome
Sounds to be exactly the thing I need right now… Can’t test it at the moment, but I certainly will!
Just wanted to say this little gem of an app is a lifesaver! While surfing I would lose internet connectivity in my browsers and would get “cannot find page” errors randomly. I would then right click my internet connection icon in tray, and repair; which fixed it for a few minutes. It would always occur again though.
I remembered seeing this app here and figured I’d give it a shot. Very glad that I did. It backed-up my registry first, and then fixed the problem areas.
Cannot recommend enough.
**Also, keep up the great work, this is the best freeware site I have seen yet. All the apps are exceptionally good.
no
Well, your download link isn’t working, but a quick online search found it on “MajorGeeks” (among others) – I don’t need it now, but I’ll put it with my ‘Just in Case’ programs – if I can’t get on the Interwebs, I won’t be able to download it, will I!
Thanks!
I was having trouble with my Outlook Express constantly asking me for my Username and Password, when they were already entered. And if I tried sending multiple e-mails, they would just sit in my Outbox folder, and not be sent. I downloaded the above Winsock fix, and it has solved my problems. Great program.
thanks
thanks a lot!