When you experience internet connection issues, it might be that your Internet Protocol or TCP/IP is corrupt and need resetting. In this article we discuss how to reset the internet protocol in Windows 7 to 10. Fortunately, the process did not change much since Windows XP, so this guide should also work with it.
How to know if the TCP/IP protocol is corrupt?
The TCP/IP protocol is needed by your Windows computer to connect to the internet. When it is corrupt, you might be connected to the internet, but packets are not transferred over the network, and the result is ‘The page cannot be displayed’ errors.
So, when you are sure there is no faults with your networking hardware or ISP, and your computer is connected to the internet, but you receive a ‘the page cannot be displayed’ error when visiting a website, the internet protocol is most likely corrupt.
How to Reset the Internet Protocol
The best way to repair internet protocol corruption is to reset TCP/IP. Even though this sounds complicated; it is not… I prepared several methods to accomplish this task with ease.
Before you start
Before attempting any fixes, you should create a System Restore point so that you can role back your computer in case anything goes wrong.
Method 1) Use Complete Internet Repair
Download Complete Internet Repair, install and run it. On the main screen, select the ‘Reset Internet Protocols (TCP/IP)’ option and press Go! Open your bowser and see if you can visit a website. If it still does not work, there could be something else wrong.
Method 2) Reset the Internet Protocol using the NetShell utility
Windows 10
Click in the Search Box (magnifying glass) located in the bottom-left corner of the screen, right next to the Start button, and type cmd. After the results are displayed, you will see the Command Prompt app as the Best match. Right-click on it and select Run as administrator. Depending on your computer’s settings, you may need to enter administrator login details to continue.
The Command Prompt should open with administrator privileges. Type netsh int ip reset and then hit the Enter key on your keyboard.
Wait for it to run through the TCP/IP reset process. When finished you need to reboot your computer for the settings to take effect. TIP: When you see the Administrator: prefix in the Command Prompt title, it means it is running with administrator privilege.
Windows 8
Move the mouse to the right-hand corner of the screen to make the charm bar appear and click Search. Type cmd in the search box and press Enter. Right-click on cmd under programs in the search results, and select Run as administrator. Depending on your computer’s settings, you may need to enter administrator login details to continue.
The Command Prompt should open with administrator privileges. Type netsh int ip reset and then hit the Enter key on your keyboard.
Wait for it to run through the TCP/IP reset process. When finished you need to reboot your computer for the settings to take effect.
Windows 7
Open the Start menu by clicking the orb in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen and type cmd in the search bar at the bottom of the menu. Right-click on cmd under the programs search results, and select Run as administrator. Depending on your computer’s settings, you may need to enter administrator login details to continue.
The Command Prompt should open with administrator privileges. Type netsh int ip reset and then hit the Enter key on your keyboard.
Wait for it to finish and reboot your computer for the settings to take effect.
Windows XP
Click the Start button in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. Go to All Programs, Accessories and click on Command Prompt. If you are still running Windows XP, it is a good idea to upgrade now.
The Command Prompt should open with administrator privileges. Type netsh int ip reset and then hit the Enter key on your keyboard. Wait for it to do its thing and then restart your computer for the settings to take effect.
Conclusion
I hope this article could help you solve your internet connection issue. If you still experience issues after following the steps above, contact your Service Provider for assistance. They should be able to tell you if your physical line is faulty or if there is any other issues on their network. Good luck solving your internet woes.
My name is Derick Payne, a proud son of George, South Africa, and a seasoned veteran of the tech industry. With a deep-seated passion for programming and an unwavering commitment to innovation, I’ve spent the past 23 years pushing the envelope of what’s possible. As the founder of Rizonetech and Rizonesoft, I’ve had the unique opportunity to channel my love for technology into creating solutions that make a difference. The journey has been fulfilling, the progress invigorating, and the future? Well, the future is limitless.