MSDN Documentation

Error Code Details

This error code, WSAVERNOTAVAILABLE, is part of the Windows Sockets API (Winsock). It signifies a fundamental problem with the network subsystem or the availability of Winsock services.

Common Causes and Scenarios

• Network Adapter Disabled or Unplugged: The network interface card (NIC) might be disabled in device manager, or the physical network cable is disconnected.
• Network Protocol Issues: The necessary network protocols (like TCP/IP) might not be installed or are misconfigured.
• Winsock Service Problems: The Winsock catalog might be corrupted, or the underlying Winsock DLLs are missing or damaged.
• System Startup Issues: The network services may not have started correctly during the operating system boot process.
• Remote Machine Network Unavailable: If the application is trying to connect to a remote machine, and that machine's network is down, this error could be propagated.
• Virtual Network Drivers: Issues with virtual network adapters used by virtualization software.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check Network Connectivity:
   • Verify that your network cable is securely plugged in.
   • Ensure your Wi-Fi is connected and has a signal.
   • Try pinging a known reliable IP address (e.g., ping 8.8.8.8) or hostname (e.g., ping google.com).
2. Check Network Adapter Status:
   • Open "Network Connections" (or "Network & Internet settings" in newer Windows versions).
   • Ensure your primary network adapter (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) is enabled. If disabled, right-click and select "Enable".
   • Check the adapter's properties to ensure TCP/IP is installed and enabled.
3. Restart Network Services:
   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
   • Run the command: netsh winsock reset
   • Restart your computer.
4. Check System Services:
   • Open "Services" (services.msc).
   • Ensure services like "DHCP Client", "DNS Client", and "Network Location Awareness" are running and set to automatic.
5. Reinstall Network Drivers:
   • In Device Manager, find your network adapter, uninstall it, and then scan for hardware changes to reinstall the drivers.
6. Check for Malware: Some malware can interfere with network connectivity. Run a full system scan with your antivirus software.

Sample Code (Illustrative - Not directly runnable without context)

In C/C++, when using Winsock, you might check for errors after a socket operation:

#include <winsock2.h>
#include <ws2tcpip.h>

// ... initialization code ...

SOCKET sock = socket(AF_INET, SOCK_STREAM, IPPROTO_TCP);
if (sock == INVALID_SOCKET) {
    int error_code = WSAGetLastError();
    if (error_code == WSAVERNOTAVAILABLE) {
        // Handle the specific error: Network is not available
        MessageBox(NULL, L"The network is not available.", L"Network Error", MB_ICONERROR);
    } else {
        // Handle other socket errors
        MessageBox(NULL, std::to_wstring(error_code).c_str(), L"Socket Error", MB_ICONERROR);
    }
    // Cleanup and exit
    WSACleanup();
    return 1;
}

// ... other socket operations ...

WSACleanup();