winsockXPfix

[Jeff]

Because of some intermittent problems I am having with an older laptop (XP
Home SP-2) connecting to the internet through a wireless home network, the
router's tech support suggested I try winsockXPfix. I read about it (
http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/security/spyware/repair.html )
and learned that it is considered a "non-standard" repair technique and that
I should backup critical files before using it.

I was wondering what kind of winsock "customizations" they are talking about
that I might lose? Isn't winsock just a standard thing or do I misunderstand
what it is. How safe is winsockXPfix to use?

Thanks.

Jeff

 

[Malke]

Because of some intermittent problems I am having with an older laptop
(XP Home SP-2) connecting to the internet through a wireless home
network, the
router's tech support suggested I try winsockXPfix. I read about it (
http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/security/spyware/repair.html )
and learned that it is considered a "non-standard" repair technique
and that I should backup critical files before using it.

I was wondering what kind of winsock "customizations" they are talking
about that I might lose? Isn't winsock just a standard thing or do I
misunderstand what it is. How safe is winsockXPfix to use?

WinsockXPFix is generally safe to use, but you don't need this since you
have Service Pack 2. To reset the winsock catalog to default do:

Start>Run>cmd [enter]
netsh winsock reset catalog [enter]

Reboot as instructed.

Malke

 

[Charlie Tame]

From what I've seen some spyware stuff alters winsock to suit itself, and
then when you remove the spyware (example MS Antispy or AdAware etc) Winsock
appears to the rest of the OS as "Broken"... this seems to be the most
common problem.

Having said that the result is usually no connection at all... I don't think
"Intermittent" is really the symptom description most used

The Customizations you might lose in the case of spyware are best lost

There's a bit more info here
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm

Nothing can be guaranteed "Harmless" but both of these are reputable
programs and do not seem to do further harm, usually fixing the problem.

However perhaps reading this article first will solve the problem without
either...

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=KB;EN-US;Q299357

Charlie

 

[Kerry Brown]

Because of some intermittent problems I am having with an older
laptop (XP Home SP-2) connecting to the internet through a wireless
home network, the router's tech support suggested I try winsockXPfix.
I read about it (
http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/security/spyware/repair.html ) and
learned that it is considered a "non-standard" repair technique
and that I should backup critical files before using it.

I was wondering what kind of winsock "customizations" they are
talking about that I might lose? Isn't winsock just a standard thing
or do I misunderstand what it is. How safe is winsockXPfix to use?

Thanks.

Jeff

Resetting winsock may break anti-virus, firewall, anti-spyware and other
programs. They may have to be reinstalled.

Kerry

 

[Kerry Brown]

Because of some intermittent problems I am having with an older
laptop (XP Home SP-2) connecting to the internet through a wireless
home network, the router's tech support suggested I try winsockXPfix.
I read about it (
http://www.cit.cornell.edu/computer/security/spyware/repair.html ) and
learned that it is considered a "non-standard" repair technique
and that I should backup critical files before using it.

I was wondering what kind of winsock "customizations" they are
talking about that I might lose? Isn't winsock just a standard thing
or do I misunderstand what it is. How safe is winsockXPfix to use?

Thanks.

Jeff

A better solution may be Microsoft Anti Spyware. Under Advanced Tools,
System Explorers, look at the Winsock LSPs. Also check out LSPFix which is
mentioned on the link you posted.

Kerry

 

[Jim Byrd]

Hi Jeff - From my Blog, Defending Your Machine, addy below in my Signature:


#########IMPORTANT#########
Before you try to remove spyware using any of the programs below, download
both a copy of LSPFIX here:
http://www.cexx.org/lspfix.htm

AND a copy of Winsockfix for W95, W98, and ME
http://www.tacktech.com/pub/winsockfix/WinsockFix.zip
Directions here: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=257

or here for Win2k/XP
http://files.webattack.com/localdl834/WinsockxpFix.exe
Info and download here: http://www.spychecker.com/program/winsockxpfix.html
Directions here: http://www.iup.edu/house/resnet/winfix.shtm

The process of removing certain malware may kill your internet connection.
If this should occur, these programs, LSPFIX and WINSOCKFIX, will enable you
to regain your connection.


For XP SP2, you can also use the Run command: netsh winsock reset catalog

to fix this problem without the need for these programs.

For XP pre-SP2, you can use this Run command: netsh int ip reset
resetlog.txt


Also, one MS technician suggested that the following sequence of Run
commands for XP may help in some cases:

netsh int reset all
ipconfig /flushdns

See also: http://windowsxp.mvps.org/winsock.htm for additional XPSP2
info/approaches using the netsh command.

An alternative approach with necessary .reg files which will often work even
when the above doesn't is defined here, courtesy of Bob Cerelli:
http://www.onecomputerguy.com/ie_tips.htm#winsock_fix Recommended.

Remember - you need to do any downloads ahead of time BEFORE you do any
malware cleaning.
#########IMPORTANT#########


I'm not aware of any reported problems with any of the programs listed
above.

 

[Jeff]

Dear Jim

Thank you very much for replying. I've had spyware protection (Spybot and
Ad-aware mainly) for years but not having heard of LSPFIX or WinsocXPfix
till recently, I obviously did not have them on board till now. I am
therefore concerned by the statement you included:
"Remember - you need to do any downloads ahead of time BEFORE you do any
malware cleaning".

I have obviously cleaned spyware for years but have only now downloaded
LSPFIX or WinsocXPfix. Why might that be a problem, or am I
misunderstanding?

I will certainly visit your website and those you listed below. Thanks for
the help and please help me clarify my confusion about the need to download
the utilities (?) "before the malware cleaning" - which I have already done
many times over the years.

Jeff

 

[Jim Byrd]

Jeff - the LSP problems usually arise in cleaning out specific malware which
has insinuates itsself into your stack which you likely haven't been
infested by to date. Having these on hand is by way of being a
precautionary measure JIC you do happen to need to remove one of these
offenders at some future time and in that process damage your Winsock stack.

 

[Plato]

Because of some intermittent problems I am having with an older laptop (XP
Home SP-2) connecting to the internet through a wireless home network, the
router's tech support suggested I try winsockXPfix. I read about it (

You received incorrect advice. winsockxpfix and other associated/related
files that do the same repair, are meant to fix the tcp/ip problem after
spyware removal. In other words, it's NOT meant to fix "intermittent
problems". But rather, no connection at all after spyware removal. In
which case, it repairs the damamge some spyware has done to the system.

 

[Jeff]

Thank you.

Jeff

You received incorrect advice. winsockxpfix and other associated/related
files that do the same repair, are meant to fix the tcp/ip problem after
spyware removal. In other words, it's NOT meant to fix "intermittent
problems". But rather, no connection at all after spyware removal. In
which case, it repairs the damamge some spyware has done to the system.