Rebuild TCP/IP stack in Windows XP when all else fails

Every experienced network guru knows that quite often the problem with a faulty network connection is due to the TCP/IP stack being corrupted or not properly bound. Starting with WinXP, Microsoft has disabled the ability to uninstall TCP/IP. So what are you to do if you suspect that all that is needed is a clean install of the TCP/IP stack? Luckily, it is fairly easy to rebuild the stack to the pristine conditions that it was in on a clean install using the NetShell utility.

Here's how:
Go to your command prompt and type the following:
netsh int ip reset [ log_file_name ]

Digg This!     StumbleUpon     Del.icio.us

RELATED CONTENT Windows Systems and Network Management Tools and Techniques Top five Server Core management tips for Windows 2008 Top free tools for Windows server administration A first look at Internet Information Services 7.0 Windows registry hack improves offline file access for mobile users Reducing the size of network backups in Windows Monitor network bandwidth with CyberGauge How to format NTFS: More tricks to improve file system performance Key enhancements to SCCM give admins more control over assets, licensing Archiving information with New-Item in Windows PowerShell Debugging Userenv issues using Windows new event viewer Windows Systems and Network Administration Cutting the cost of Windows identity and access management Using NTFS on a non-Windows OS with NTFS-3G Group Policy Object modeling simplifies network security Implementing simple Network Access Protection for Windows Server 2008 Immediate steps for Windows disaster recovery Tips for Windows domain controller optimization Quick hits: Troubleshooting service account failure, batch job execution Case Study: Troubleshooting Windows service dependency failures Troubleshooting common Windows service failures Reducing the size of network backups in Windows

RELATED RESOURCES 2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary

A log file name must be specified in order to successfully execute the Netsh command. This file will log all the actions taken by netsh.

Sample:
netsh int ip reset resetlog.txt
netsh int ip reset c:resetlog.txt

The only difference between these two is that the first will create the log in the current directory while the second specifies where the log is to be created. After creating the log you can use Notepad or any other text editor to see exactly what changes were made.

Please let us know how useful you find this tip by rating it below! If you have a useful Windows tip, timesaver or workaround to share, submit it to our tip contest and you could win a prize!

Rate this Tip To rate tips, you must be a member of SearchWindowsServer.com. Register now to start rating these tips. Log in if you are already a member. DISCLAIMER: Our Tips Exchange is a forum for you to share technical advice and expertise with your peers and to learn from other enterprise IT professionals. TechTarget provides the infrastructure to facilitate this sharing of information. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or validity of the material submitted. You agree that your use of the Ask The Expert services and your reliance on any questions, answers, information or other materials received through this Web site is at your own risk.