asked on

Windows socket error 10061 no connection, target machine actively refused it on API connect

I have a number of programs that will not connect to the internet. I have a new computer running Win2K Pro, no firewall and a dial-up internet connection. My filesharing programs, Kazaalite (was connecting for a month or 2), Emule (says Ifc disabled), Shareaza and Tesla (WinMX is the only one still connecting) as well as a few others, like Local Port Scanner (gives me the socket error message) and Bigfix that simply won't connect at any time as well as Powerdesk and a few others, relatively less important. I'm using Norton Antivirus, Adaware, Spyware Blaster, Spybot S&D and Ghostsurf, although this connection problem started before I was using Ghostsurf. I have done some registry edits (creating a back-up copy first) based on bugs found by Pestpatrol on-line scan (not being able to purchase the software at this time, following their instructions about regedits and not touching anything to do with my p2p programs, that I'm aware of). Any help with this problem would be greatly appreciated. I'm no tech wiz by any means but am more experienced than the average computer user I've encountered. I'm about to start pulling my hair over this. What can I do to correct this problem as it's been going on for a couple of months? I'm thinking of doing a repair/overwrite of my OS but not sure if that will fix the problem. Also thinking of upgrading to Win XP Pro (also, might that fix the problem?). Thanks.

newmoonherbs

rherguth

You posted this to the Databases Area. But what th heck... :)

Upgrading to XP Pro would likely do nothing for you. Home just netuers certain features from the Pro version (eg. NTFS Security), but the internet connectivity is still the same. A handy tool that replaces reinstalling the OS is to run SFC. This stand for system file check. Basically, you open a command prompt and type SFC /? to get a list of command line options. The most common being SFC /SCANNOW
You will need to put the WinXP CD in the CD drive to do this, unless the CD images are on your HD or the network.

newmoonherbs

ASKER

Thanks very much for the helpful suggestions. I'm learning more all the time. And so sorry for posting this on the wrong board. I was a bit confused at the time, I guess.

After a couple of months of trying a few different things, I finally discovered that the whole problem was caused (for some reason I don't understand) by an incomplete uninstall of Zone Alarm Free. My brother actually had a problem a couple of years ago with uninstalling this same program. As soon as I reinstalled the program everything connected just fine and is continueing to do so.

newmoonherbs

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

modulo

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial