"Unable to initialize Windows Sockets interface, error code 0" error message when you try to use one of the Microsoft TCP/IP-32 command line utilities in Windows for Workgroups (131353)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows for Workgroups
  • Microsoft TCP/IP-32 for Windows for Workgroups
This article was previously published under Q131353

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.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:10/7/2004
Keywords:KB131353
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.