You receive an "Operation was attempted on something that is not a socket" error message when you try to obtain an IP address (318584)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition
This article was previously published under Q318584
Important This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure to back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up, restore, and modify the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows registry

SYMPTOMS

After you install a modem on your system, you may not be able to connect to the Internet. When you try to release and then renew the IP address, you may receive the following error message:
An operation was attempted on something that is not a socket.

CAUSE

This behavior may occur if the WinSocks library or the TCP/IP stack are corrupted.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, follow these steps.

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.
  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. In the Open box, type Regedit, and then press ENTER.
  3. Navigate to the following registry key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock

  4. On the Registry menu, click Export Registry File.
  5. In the File name box, type the name of the backup file; for example, type Winsock Registry key, and then click Save. Note the name of the folder in which the registration file is saved.
  6. Repeat steps 3 through 5 for the following registry key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock2

  7. Delete the following keys from the registry:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock2

    NOTE: Steps 3 through 6 backed up the two registry keys. You can use the backup files to restore the keys in the event that your computer displays unexpected behavior. For more information about how to restore registry keys from .reg files, search the Registry Editor Help files for the Import or export registry keys topic.

  8. Close the Registry Editor.
  9. Locate the Nettcpip.inf file in %winroot%\inf, and then open the file in Notepad.
  10. Locate the [MS_TCPIP.PrimaryInstall] section. Change the Characteristics = 0xa0 entry by replacing 0xa0 with 0x80. Save the file. Exit Notepad.
  11. In Control Panel, double-click Network Connections, right-click Local Area Connection, and then select Properties.
  12. On the General tab, click Install, select Protocol, and then click Add.
  13. In the Select Network Protocols window, click Have Disk.
  14. In the Copy manufacturer's files from text box, type c:\windows\inf, and then click OK.
  15. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then click OK.

    Note This step returns you to the Local Area Connection Properties screen. However, the Uninstall button is now available.
  16. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), click Uninstall, and then click Yes.
  17. In Control Panel, double-click Network Connections, right-click Local Area Connection, and then select Properties.
  18. On the General tab, click Install, select Protocol, and then click Add.
  19. In the Select Network Protocols window, click Have Disk.
  20. In the Copy Manufacturer's files from text box, type c:\windows\inf, and then click OK.
  21. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and then click OK.
  22. Restart your computer.
  23. Test your Internet connectivity.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/30/2005
Keywords:kberrmsg kbprb KB318584
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