Member Avatar for robinh65

Comcast told me "It's not our fault." They said my "Winsox" (I may not be saying that correctly.) is causing a problem with my internet access. Do I need to take my computer to a repair shop or can I do this fix myself?

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Most likely "Winsox" means the Winsock (Windows Sockets) layer rather than your ISP. If the PC is getting an automatic address in the 169.254.x.x range (APIPA) it means Windows tried DHCP and failed — that’s a common symptom when the TCP/IP stack or the Winsock catalog is damaged. ’s pointer to check the IP was the right first step; and were also on the right track. (learn.microsoft.com)
Microsoft: Automatic TCP/IP addressing (APIPA)

Quick, low-risk checks before deeper repairs: verify the cable/modem and reboot the modem (unplug 30–60 seconds) then the PC; test the same wall jack with another machine; make sure no browser proxy is configured; confirm the network adapter driver is present. Basic connectivity tests that isolate where the problem sits:

ping 127.0.0.1        (loopback — is TCP/IP present?)
ping <gateway IP>    (can the PC reach the router/modem?)
ping 8.8.8.8         (if gateway responds, can you reach the internet?)

If loopback fails, the local TCP/IP/Winsock files are damaged; if loopback works but DHCP never gives a lease (169.x.x.x persists), repair the stack. A standard Win98/Me sequence that fixes most Winsock/TCP problems is: record current network settings, remove and reinstall the Microsoft TCP/IP protocol (and Dial‑Up Networking if present), reboot, then reinstall any OEM network drivers. If Winsock2 was added previously, run the Winsock rollback (ws2bakup) steps described in the legacy KB; use the System File Checker or extract the original winsock/wsock32 files from the Win9x cab files if those DLLs are corrupt. Always have the Windows CD available and export the registry before editing. (helparchive.huntertur.net)
KB 181599 — remove/reinstall DUN & TCP/IP (archive) ·

Cautions and next steps: malware and poorly behaved network software (VPNs, older AOL/ISP adapters, LSPs) often break Winsock — scan the system before re-adding networking components. If the steps above feel risky, note everything you change (so it can be undone) and consider professional help; a shop can usually repair the stack quickly if given the OS version, the modem type Comcast provided, and whether the machine shows a 169.x.x.x address.

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Member Avatar for deonnanicole

Explaining exactly what was going wrong will help others here to get a better idea of what could be going wrong with your computer and possible fixes. So try telling us what your computer is, or isn't, doing and I'm sure someone who knows a fix or has ideas will respond soon. :)

Member Avatar for dlh6213

Hi Robin, I believe you probably mean WinSocks and, as Deonna said, more information is needed in order for someone to assist you. Most likely you will be able to fix it yourself, or at least get a better idea of what's wrong so if you do need to take it to a shop, they won't have to spend as much time (and your money) diagnosing it. Besides explaining what it is or isn't doing, include your operating system (like Windows 98SE) and what brand of modem Comcast gave you.

Member Avatar for alc6379

Do you have an IP address?

Click Start, then Run, then type in WINIPCFG /ALL, and then click OK. Tell us what it says under IP Address on the system. If it's anything starting with 169.x.x.x, then yes, you probably do need to reinstall Winsock.

Member Avatar for dlh6213

Hey Robin, since you haven't replied in a few day, maybe you've gotten your problem fixed. But in case you haven't, or someone else needs it, here are instructions for fixing winsock:

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