Introduction:

There are some data mining programs out there that go as far as changing the WinSock Internet communications connection during their installation. When the data mining components of these programs are removed it sometimes leaves the computer unable to connect with the Internet, our utility will repair the WinSock. The main contributors to this problem are "Common Name, New.net and Web Hancer" which are often bundled with file-sharing utilities, DVD player software, and other free downloads. However; there are others. Winsock 2 Repair utility repairs the Winsock LSP chain by removing the entries left behind when LSP software is removed by hand (or when errors in the software itself break the LSP chain), and removing any gaps in the chain

Unfortunately, this type of software is sometimes quietly installed by unrelated software such as file-sharing programs, sneaking onto a system unannounced. In fact, in many cases, the user does not know of its existence until something goes wrong, and he/she can no longer access Web sites.

WinSock 2 repair utility attempts to correct the above Internet connection problems resulting from buggy or improperly - removed layered Service Provider (LSP) Software.

Instructions to use:

When you start this tool it will read the list of LSP modules from the Windows registry and verify that each module is present. If a module is missing, it is replaced in the "Remove" list for removal.

Advanced users can override suggested removals in the "Advanced" area. When "finish" is pressed the undesired entries are removed, and the remaining entries in the registry are renumbered to make them consecutive.
The total module counts are then updated. Finally, the program will display a summary of the changes that were made.

Since some errors result from misnumbered LSP entries rather than missing modules, the "Remove" list may be empty. Don't worry if this is the case; the misnumbered entries will be connected when you press "Finish".

• Note 1: Please don't press the "I know what I'm doing " box unless you really know what you're doing. This option is for advanced users only and is not necessary to repair your system.
• Note 2: No changes will be made until you press the 'Finish ' button. To exit without making any changes, simply close the program instead of pressing Finish.
• Note 3: It makes no difference which order the module entries appear in WinSock 2 Repair utility will retain the entries in the order that they appear in the Registry. (In other words, shuffling them around on the Keep/Remove lists has no effect).
• Note 4: WinSock 2 Repair Utility is not a malware removal utility and does not target specific products WinSock 2 Repair Utility does not delete any files.
• Note 5: Some LSP products may overwrite system files such as 'wsock32.dll'. If this has occurred, or you still cannot access Web sites, it may be necessary to re-install Winsock 2 (or Windows) to restore the original files.

Recovering From Disaster:

I make the assumption that your system actually does use Winsock 2 (all Win98and higher do). If you are running Windows 95 and are not sure if Winsock 2 has been installed on your system, it should be re-installed. The file is available from the Microsoft Web site or (probably) windowsupdate.microsoft.com

If the Winsock 2 Registry keys are missing entirely Winsock 2 Repair utility returns an error or damaged beyond repair, it will be necessary to restore them.

Requirements:

Windows 95 with Winsock 2, Windows ME , Windows XP, or Windows 2000.

Disclaimer:

This software is provided AS-IS, without any warranty of any kind, either express or implied. No lifeguard on duty. Registry Edit at your own risk.

Here come the all-caps. This means you should read it twice.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL BULLET PROOF SOFT OR ITS STAFF BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION, OR ANY OTHER PECUNIARY LOSS) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT, EVEN IF BULLETPROOFSOFT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBLITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.