An operation was attempted on something that is not a socket.

If you know me at all, you know that I hate Windows. I use it, I install it, and I support it – but I hate it with a passion.
Something I hate more than Windows, however, is spyware/adware/virii, and the damage they can do on a PC. For example, some actually make a point to disable your computers internet access – I guess on the principle that if you can’t get online, you can’t get the virus off. Or something. It doesn’t make a lot of sense. I ran into a situation recently where this happened, and I thought I’d share what I did to get out of it – it was a royal pain, and it wasn’t easy to figure out. One mans 2 hours of searching is another’s search result, so…..
1. Boot the computer into Safe Mode (F8 at startup, after the BIOS messages (usually when you see the manufacturers logo) and before Windows starts up. Select Safe Mode in the list.
2. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. Locate and then click the following registry subkey:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock
6. Right-click Winsock, and then click Delete. When you are prompted to confirm the deletion, click Yes.
7. Select the following subkey (it should be right below the Winsock key you just deleted):
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock2
8. Right-click Winsock2, click Delete, and then click Yes.
9. Quit Registry Editor.
Reboot the computer. Cross your fingers. BUY ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE.