missing connect.dll in Windows Vista

Missing Connect.dll in Windows Vista

If you receive a message referring to a missing DLL C:\Windows\system32\connect.dll, this is part of the networking files required for Vista to connect to the internet. This error refers to part of the TCP/IP stack either being corrupt or missing.

This can happen when uninstalling Internet Security software or, in my case, when uninstalling the bundled Dell ISP Installers for NetZero, Earthlink, and AOL. I am not certain which one caused the problem, but the results were no connectivity with an error message stating:

Component GUID:{7071ECA3-663B-4BC1-A1FA-B97F3B917C55}
Component file: [C:\Windows\system32\connect.dll]
Error: (0x8007277B) .

Additional Info:
Failed to detect Internet connectivity

Not being overly familiar with Vista, I found this information on the “missing file.”

connect.dll is a part of Windows Vista.

Default location: %WinDir%\System32\connect.dll

Useful information about: connect.dll

Description: Get Connected Wizards

Version: 6.0.6000.16386 (vista_rtm.061101-2205)

Size: 1645568 (1607K)

MD5: 445269304D063FC940695B37C43BC0E3

Further research revealed this to be a common problem in Vista and that it can also be caused if Vista drivers are updated. Some Dell driver software can be old and may need to be updated. Unfortunately, Dell may not always have the best match for driver software and it may become necessary to experiment with drivers until a workable compromise is found.

In my case, I was able to find this information after updating the driver proved to be unsuccessful.

TCP/IP stack repair options for use with Windows Vista.

1. Start, Programs\Accessories and right click on Command Prompt, select "Run as Administrator" to open a command prompt.

2. Reset WINSOCK entries to installation defaults: netsh winsock reset catalog

3. Reset IPv4 TCP/IP stack to installation defaults. netsh int ipv4 reset reset.log

4. Reset IPv6 TCP/IP stack to installation defaults. netsh int ipv6 reset reset.log

5. Reboot the machine.

Anti Virus and Firewall Software

In my case, this resolved the problem. However, there is apparently a few other cases that will generate a generic error message that is similar. In the few cases I had found, the users had installed a new Anti Virus or Firewall product and the software prevented the network devices from getting an IP. This was somewhat related to my problem because I had remove Norton Internet Security and installed Trend Micro Internet Security.

It is important to note that when you are done uninstalling a Security Program, make sure to go back and delete the folder of the installation. These can be found in Program Files, sometimes under the Windows folder. But get rid of them just in case something remains. Also make sure to uninstall any of the additional Update Programs.

Windows Update

Some additional reports came regarding this issue coming after a Windows Update. I would think this might be an issue when changes are made to driver or security settings. I did not have much info on this, but I am pretty sure this was not the case for my problem.

Bottom Line

So it appears this issue can be cause by several different problems, with many varied fixes. God Bless Windows Vista (and those who use her)! I compiled the list of fixes from simple to complex. Give these a try:

1. Uninstall the network/modem driver from Device Manager – just select the items and hit Delete. Reboot.

2. TCP Repair Stack. Reboot.

3. Uninstall any recently installed Security Software on the possibility the firewall may be blocking. Then reinstall and be sure to properly configure each step of the Installation. If you have questions, contact the software manufacturer.

4. Try Window’s Update Uninstall tool. This is said to allow you to remove recently installed updates.

5. When all else fails, either do a System Recovery or a Repair Install of Windows.

If these don’t work for you, keep in mind that the computer manufacturer may simply tell you “this is an OS problem” meaning you will need to contact Microsoft for additional help. You can get Microsoft’s support at 1-800-Microsoft, but don’t be surprised if you get Apu on the other end to help you.