DOCUMENT:Q131353 26-OCT-2000 [crossnet] TITLE :Err Msg: Unable to Initialize Windows Sockets... PRODUCT :Windows for Workgroups and Windows NT Networking Issues PROD/VER:WINDOWS:; : OPER/SYS: KEYWORDS: ====================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The information in this article applies to: - Microsoft Windows for Workgroups - Microsoft TCP/IP-32 for Windows for Workgroups ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SYMPTOMS ======== When using one of the Microsoft TCP/IP-32 command line utilities (PING.EXE, FTP.EXE, etc.), the following error message appears: Unable to initialize Windows Sockets interface, error code 0 CAUSE ===== This error occurs when WSOCK.386 is corrupted or not loaded in memory. RESOLUTION ========== To correct this problem perform the following steps: 1. Remove the TCP/IP protocol using the Network Setup icon. 2. Exit Windows for Workgroups. From the command prompt, change to the Windows System subdirectory. 3. Rename the file WSOCK.386 by typing the following command: REN WSOCK.386 WSOCK.BAD 4. Restart your computer and start Windows for Workgroups. Re-add the TCP/IP protocol using the Network Setup icon and directing Setup to the location of your TCP/IP-32 files. Remove the TCP/IP protocol from Network Setup and then reinstall it. Answer "Yes to All" to replace existing files. Additional query words: 3.11 3.11a wfwg msnets netutils ndis3.x ====================================================================== Keywords : Technology : kbAudDeveloper kbTCPIPSearch kbWFWSearch kbZNotKeyword3 Version : WINDOWS:; : ============================================================================= THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY. Copyright Microsoft Corporation 2000.