Need to reset the TCP/IP Stack without reinstalling Win XP

Question

I have an INSPIRON 8100 that has lost its ability to access the internet.  I have a cable modem and Linksys router driving 3 other PCs without a problem.  My situation very closely parallels that of the 'lost the internet access' thread of Terence 101 which had a number of responses through 11/01/2003.  Dell Support has walked through 2 hours of tests including having me reseat the Intel network card.  They say backup everything and do a complete Windows XP reinstall.  I have tried the suggested netsh int ip reset command from the Terence 101 thread and although the log says it completed, it has made no difference.  The IPCONFIG command still shows no connection specific DNS, Autoconfig address of 169.254.205.8, Subnet mask of 255.255.0.0, and Default gateway is blank.  Is there anything else to try before wiping my hard drive with a new install of Win XP Home?  The Terence 101 thread did not show if he was successful with the reset command.  Thanks in advance.

jpm121 · Answer

This utility will fix your XP TCP/IP stack to default settings (i.e. an XP SP1 fresh install condition). It's very handy and has fixed a lot of stuff for me in the past.

http://members.shaw.ca/techcd/WinsockXPFix.exe

johnallg · Answer

Sounds really handy - will it work for W2k?

[Edit] - That was lazy! I found it here: http://members.shaw.ca/techcd/VB_Projects/WinsockFix.exe
Other interesting progs at http://members.shaw.ca/techcd/VB_Projects/

Message Edited by johnallg on 11-10-2003 04:06 PM

sentinel-master · Answer

Back to the original question though - I would add a word of caution, try checking Layer 1 & 2 before jumping to Layer 3 for a resolution. i.e check the cable's plugged in and the duplex/speed settings are not false negotiating - before re-installing the TCP/IP stack.

First - make sure your NIC card is enabled and resident in computer configuration - just in case it got disabled or removed by other s/w or service packs/updates etc.

Also manually try changing the speed and duplex of your NIC on your PC, as it could be an autonegotiation issue with your NIC which is causing the problem. Step through the following scenarios and see if link is restored - working from the lowest common denominator

10 M - Half Duplex

10M Full Duplex

100M Half Duplex

100M Full Duplex

You should hopefully find a combination that works.....and try the "ipconfig/renew" option from a DOS shell window each time.

RP-L2 · Answer

There might be something wrong with the IP address. Usually, if the IP address is equal to either 0.0.0.0 or 169.x.x.x , there is something wrong. Try to reset your ip address. Try this out

1. Go to Start>Run>CMD>OK

2. Once the DOS prompt comes up type in IPCONFIG/RELEASE

3. After the computer finishes releasing the IP type in IPCONFIG/RENEW

4. Once that is done do an IPCONFIG/ALL to ensure the IP refreshed, if not restart.

overacre · Answer

when i get to the ipconfig/renew step, it tells me this: An error occurred while renewing interface Network Bridge : unable to contact your DHCP server. Request has timed out. whats up?

RP-L2 · Answer

Try to delete the network bridge:

Remove Network Adapters and Delete Network Bridge

1. Click Start and then Control Panel

2. Double-click Network Connections.

If there is a section labeled Network Bridge, Windows XP has been configured to act as a bridge.

3. Right-click every connection under the Network Bridge heading and click Remove from bridge.

4. Right-click the Network Bridge icon and click Properties.

5. In the box labeled This connection uses the following items, uncheck any item in the list and then click OK.

6. Right-click the Network Bridge and click Delete.

7.Click Yes to confirm deletion.

The network bridge has now been completely removed.

overacre · Answer

I tried that...and it worked, for about 5 minutes...i tried running windows update, and went to the downloads/networking section of this site to get updated drivers for my network adapter...and the internet doesnt work AGAIN...

i need help, im on the verge of destroying my computer, and am far past the point of no return of hating with the passion of a thousand burning suns windows and anything pc...i want to take asledge hammer to my computer and buy an apple...

RP-L2 · Answer

after you removed the network bridge, did you tried releasing and renewing the ip address (ipconfig/release, ipconfig/renew, ipconfig/all)? If not, try it. If you did, check your ip address. If your ip address is equal to 169.x.x.x contact your ISP. If not, contact dell tech support. Check you network jack if there are any lights. If there are no lights, might either be a NIC or jack problem. If there are lights, it's more of a software problem

johnallg · Answer

Make it a Golden Delicious!    Come on, breathe and smile.  This is a challenging puzzle; are you going to let a dumb machine win?!  There is a fix; sometimes you do the right things but not in the right order.  I've found deleting the TCP/IP protocol, rebooting, then adding TCP/IP back in works.

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Need to reset the TCP/IP Stack without reinstalling Win XP

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