Winsock errors can be commonplace for those who use a network. These errors are numerous and can be rather annoying, especially if you can’t complete a simple task such as access the internet as a result.

What is a Winsock Error?

A Winsock error will occur at the most inconvenient times. Usually associated with networks, Winsock is actually a shortened version of ‘Windows Sockets API,’ which is a technical way of saying how Windows networking software should access certain services on the network. When Winsock errors occur an error code pop up message will be displayed. A typical Winsock error can keep you from accessing the internet or completing even a simple task in association with your network.

What Causes a Winsock Error?

A Winsock error can be triggered by a variety of causes. The most common causes is a likely malware infection on your computer that has either not been scanned for or has not yet been caught. Another cause can be files getting corrupted due to the installation of networking software in a manner that is either inconsistent or inaccurate.

Fixing Winsock Error Problems

Microsoft has two solutions in particular that you can use when attempting to fix your Winsock error problems. However, you can also try an addition solution first and see if it works for you or not.

Solution 1: Malware Scan

Steps:

1. Turn your computer on.
2. Locate the icon for your anti-malware software on your desktop.
3. Double click the icon to open.
4. Run a ‘Complete System’ scan.
5. Delete any malware that the scan catches.
6. Restart your computer to allow changes to take effect.

Solution 2: Perform a Windows Update

Steps:

1. As a precaution start your computer in Safe Mode by pressing the F8 key while your computer is booting up.
2. In Safe Mode, click the Start Button.
3. Click ‘All Programs’.
4. Click ‘Windows Update’.
5. Follow the on screen instructions you will see.
6. Restart your computer once the update is completed.

Solution 3: Install Microsoft Service Pack 2 (SP2)

Steps:

1. Go to http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=28.
2. Locate the download for Microsoft Service Pack 2 (SP2).
3. Select SP2.
4. Watch for the installation wizard to come up.
5. Follow instructions given by installation wizard.
6. Click ‘Done’ when prompted.
7. Restart your computer.

** Please note that you may need to install Windows Service Pack 3 (SP3) as support for Windows Service Pack 2 is no longer available.

Hopefully these solutions will help you to quickly and accurately fix your Winsock errors so you can get back to normal computer usage once mire. Good luck!