Control Panel -> Network and Internet Connections error message

[Nathan Sokalski]

Whenever I attempt to open Control Panel -> Network and Internet
Connections, I recieve an error message that says:

An error occurred while Windows was working with the Control Panel file
C:\WINDOWS\system32\netsetup.cpl

I am able to continue normally with no problem if I close the error message
by clicking the OK button, but it is obviously annoying and means that there
is something wrong. I have been able to defrag, restart, reboot, turn off,
and everything else that I can normally do since this started, but it is
still there. I do not know what could be causing the problem, so if anyone
has any ideas or suggestions, I would appreciate it. Thanks.

 

[Kelly]

Hi Nathan,

Delete the file from the C:\Windows\System32 folder. All will be well.

 

[Nathan Sokalski]

I tried to delete it, but I recieved an Access Denied error (I was not
running any other applications, other than things that are always running
such as virus scan). I tried logging in as the administrator, but it still
did not let me delete the file. I do not remember the exact date that I
first started having this problem, but it was not extremely long ago. The
only software I have installed in a while that would be likely to try and
add this file is Windows XP-SP2, which I installed from the windowsupdate
site on what I believe was the second day it was available there (Note: I
have XP Pro, not XP Home). I would like to fix this problem ASAP so that
nothing else builds on it, and so that I can use all of my Control Panel
without the frustration of this error message. Thanks.

 

[Kelly]

Try to delete it in Safe Mode.

 

[Guest]

Kelly, rebooting in "Safe" mode as an administrator allowed me to delete the
file. I discovered this "error" only after changing ISP's (DSL to Cable) and
exploring my control panel to remove my DSL connection settings, etc. I
called my new ISP (no help) and my laptop manufacturer ($35 to assist, no
guarantee for a fix) before I decided to search for help here. Imagine my
excitement when I found the EXACT error listed at this website. I cant tell
you what a sense of relief your advice provided for me. Thanks for your
help. From an "almost technologically challenged, but workin on it" person,
a hearty "THANK YOU!"

 

[Kelly]

You are most welcome, Pat and thanks for the smile. )

--
All the Best,
Kelly (MS-MVP)

Troubleshooting Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com