Ethernet adapters can frequently run into connectivity issues and/or IP address conflicts. In such a case, you can no longer set a fixed IP address until the issue has been resolved. Here’s a quick fix.
Why And When Does This Error Occur
This error usually occurs when you add new VPNs, proxies or firewalls.
I/O requests (input/output) by any Windows applications first go through the so called winsock, which is an interface that interacts with the TCP/IP protocol and the outside world (the internet). However, when you add new VPNs (ethernet adapters) it is very possible that Windows stores incorrect data in the winsock. When that happens (and it happens a lot) then you will no longer be able to connect to the internet and/or you will not be able to change the IP address of your ethernet adapter.
Step 1: Removing Old Ethernet Adapters (Optional But Recommended)
Before you proceed with step 1, be warned that this is for advanced users and you may have to re-install your VPN software or other programs if you proceed.
1. Step Open the Device Manager: Hit Windows key + R (at the same time) and enter devmgmt.msc, hit Enter
2. Step Uncollapse Network Adapters
3. Step Right-click on any adapters that are called TAP or VPN. Please note by doing this you may have to re-install your VPN programs and services later on.
Step 2: Reset Winsock
IMPORTANT: After resetting the winsock you need to reboot, no way around it
Unfortunately, removing the old ethernet adapters does not always work and you have to completely reset the winsock catalog that stores some of the connection data in order to resolve possible TCP/IP conflicts and IP conflicts.
1. Step First let’s try to disable and re-enable the problematic ethernet adapter, for that open the Network and Sharing Center (right-click on the ethernet icon in the system tray on the bottom right of your screen)
2. Step Click Change adapter settings (blue link on the left sidebar)
3. Step You will now see all of your ethernet adapters. Right-click on the one called Ethernet or Ethernet 2,3,4 – and choose Disable. Do the same again to enable it again. This may already be sufficient to fix a lot of issues with your adapter because it will reinitialize the adapter
4. Step If that did not work, we need to use our winsock fix which is a simple batch file that will run the necessary commands for you if you are unfamiliar with the command prompt. Follow the link for manual instructions too.
Troubleshooting: The Operation Failed As No Adapter Is In The State Permissible For This Operation
If you receive this error, then you can follow step 2 above and this will take care of the problem.
IpConfig Renew: Ethernet Adapter Doesn’t Have A Valid IP Config
If you keep having connection issues, try to renew your IP.
This is really simple. Simply open a command prompt and enter the command
ipconfig /renew
This will renew your IP lease and should help. If it doesn’t you should run the winsock fix (see step 2 above)
Resetting The Winsock Catalog Manually
1. Step Open a command prompt (cmd.exe) with elevated rights
2. Step Now enter the command netsh int ip reset resetlog.txt
3. Step Hit the up arrow to repeat the command and replace resetlog.txt with catalog