Resetting or Clearing the TCP/IP stack to Resolve Connection Problems

• Warning: These commands should only be used by experienced users who both accept and understand the risks involved. Before using any system commands or utilities, please backup all systems, programs, applications, data and files.

BACKGROUND: A TCP/IP Stack Reset or 'clearing' will flush the computer’s stored Internet Protocol settings back to their default values. Flushing or resetting these values may solve some types of Internet connection issues where screen messages such as; "This Site Can’t be Reached” or “Unable to Connect to the Internet” are observed. 

EXAMPLE 1: To reset the TCP/IP stack in Windows O/S, you can use the Command Prompt. You MUST use and run the Command (CMD) prompt screen with Administrator's Privileges (or it may not work). 

   In Windows 10 O/S, from the CMD prompt screen, type and run the following commands:

•     netsh winsock reset and press Enter.
•     netsh int ip reset and press Enter. (*this command rewrites two registry keys)
•     ipconfig /release and press Enter.
•     ipconfig /renew and press Enter.
•     ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.

•  Exit out of the CMD screen (exit) and recheck your connection. A re-boot, restart should not be needed.

  

   In Windows 7 O/S, from the CMD prompt screen, type and run:

• netsh int ip reset resetlog.txt 
• Exit the CMD.
• Restart the computer and check your connection.

EXAMPLE 2: For most MacOS, the TCP/IP stack reset can be run by renewing the DHCP Lease.

• Click on System Preferences then Network. Click on the Internet connection with status Connected. Next, click the Advanced button. Open up the TCP/IP menu and click on Renew DHCP Lease followed by the OK button.

Useful Windows Command Line Programs and Shortcuts

• Warning: These commands and shortcuts should only be used by experienced users who both accept and understand the risks involved. Please backup all systems, programs, applications, data and files before using any utility program or command line.

Command Names:

Command Line Shortcut (to exit from the command line, type exit):

            cmd

View Network Address (shows your local IP address)

ipconfig

View IP address Routes (shows Interface list with IPv4 and IPv6 Route Tables)

            netstat –r

Ping an Address or Host (From the command prompt, type "ping" followed by the IP or name)
           
           ping hostname     ( e.g. ping 192.168.254.01 )
           ping IP address    ( e.g. ping chiralizer.com )

Find Devices on Network (shows device IP and MAC address. *Useful when you know the MAC address but not the IP it was assigned to)

            arp -a

System Config:

            msconfig

Windows Version:

            winver

Add Hardware Wizard:

            hdwwiz

Control Panel Shortcut:

            control

Device Manager Shortcut:

            devmgmt

Disk Cleanup:

            cleanmgr

Display:

            dpiscaling

Print Manager Shortcut:

            printmanagement

Windows Explorer Shortcut:

            explorer