Today, with viruses running rampant on the Internet, people must have anti-virus software on their computers if they don't, they are subject to attack. Sometimes they'll use the excuse "I don't open email unless I know who sent it." That's fine except the person that they know could have sent them one without knowing it. So, with that said, here's how we check to see if a virus is disrupting a persons connectivity.

•Open the find files dialog.

Click "Start", go to "Find", click "Files or Folders"(this wording will vary through different versions of windows).

•Tell the computer where to look.

In the find files dialog, you should see a field labeled "Look in". Make certain that field is set to the root of the "C:" drive.

•Tell the computer what to look for.

In the field labeled "Named", type "wsock32*"

•Tell the computer to start looking.

Click the "Find Now" button.

•Verifying the winsock.

In the list of files in the find files dialog, you should find one that is named "wsock32.dll". If there is more than one, this could be an indication of a virus, but do not be alarmed just yet. Also if you find one named "winsock32n.dll" there is a high probability of a virus in the system. Finally, verify that the "wsock32.dll" contained in the "C:\windows\system" folder is 65KB for Windows95, 40KB for Windows98, and 36KB for WindowsME. If the file is not the proper size, or there is more than one on the system, the user will have difficulty connecting to the internet.

•Too many socks!

Should you find more that one "wsock32.dll" delete all of them except the one located in the folder "C:\windows\system".

•Hey! That's the wrong sock!

If you find a "wsock32n.dll" remove it, reinstall Dial-Up Networking, Install an anti-virus program, and make certain that it is up to date.

•This sock isn't the right size!

If the "wsock32.dll" filesize is not correct for that version of windows, there is most likely a virus. To correct this problem, get an anti-virus program(we recommend Norton Anti-Virus), if you already have one make sure it is up to date. Reinstall Dial-up Networking.

Please note that these steps may not have removed the virus. You may need to contact a computer repair service to completely remove the virus. For more information on viruses, go to Symantec Antivirus Research Center.

BE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR WINDOWS INSTALLATION CD BEFORE YOU TRY THIS. ReInstalling Dial-up Networking may seem like it should be the last thing you attempt to solve your problem, however this simple action solves about 85% of the connectivity problems out there. AOL 6.0 or greater when installed, changes some important files that you need to connect to the internet. While this makes it possible to connect with AOL, it inhibits the systems ability to connect with other providers. If you have(or had) AOL 6+ and are getting(or have gotten) rid of it, you may need to follow these steps in order to get online with another provider.

•Windows Setup.

Click "Start" go to "Settings" click on "Control Panel". Double click "Add/Remove Programs" click the "Windows Setup" tab.

•Removing Dial-up Networking.

This sounds scary, I know, but it must be done(we'll add it back later though :). Double click "Communications" remove the check from in front of "Direct Cable Connection" and "Virtual Private Networking" if there is a check there. Make a note if either or both of those are checked, they may be selected for a reason. Remove the check from in front of "Dial-Up Networking" now click "OK", click "OK" again. Now you should be at the control panel again. Restart the computer.

•Back to Windows Setup.

When the computer restarts, the "Control Panel" should already be up. If not, follow the instructions from the "Windows Setup" section above. If the "Control Panel" is up, double click on "Add/Remove Programs" click the "Windows Setup" tab and double click on "Communications".

•Installing Dial-up Networking.

Click the box to the left of "Dial-up Networking", also if "Direct Cable Connection" or "Virtual Private Networking" were checked before "Dial-up Networking" was removed, now would be a great time to check them. Click "OK", click "OK" again. The system may copy some files, if it asks about files that already exist, and are new than ones being copied, tell it not to keep those files. The system will then ask you to restart, do it. When the computer starts up, "Dial-Up Networking" will be installed.