"An Unexpected Error Occurred" When You Right Click on a Network Connection in Windows XP

Posted in: Blog, PC Support, Technology, Tips & Tricks, Windows

When you try to right click a network connection in the Network Connections folder in Windows XP and select Properties, you get an error message that says "an unexpected error occurred". Not very descriptive, so what is the problem?  The most common cause of this problem is damaged registry settings that prevent you from viewing the network connection’s properties.

 

To repair this problem:

  1. Click Start | Run
  2. In the Open box, type: regsvr32 %systemroot% \system32 \ netshell.dll
  3. Click OK in the dialog box.

If the problem persists then do the following:

  1. Repeat step 1 above.
  2. In the Open box, type: regsvr32 %systemroot% \ system32 \ ole32.dll
  3. Click OK in the dialog box.
  4. Reboot the computer.
Comments
1.
On August 20th, 2010 at 11:12 pm, Mark Hamilton said:

Hello,

I have this problem as well. I’ve followed these steps you provide TWICE and the problem persists. I do get the confirmation message after typing each command that is is done successfully as well.

This may be related.. I often seek help in winxp and it says that service is off. So I turn it on and not long thereafter.. it’s off again. Any ideas?

Thank You.
Mark

2.
On August 20th, 2010 at 11:42 pm, William Buchanan said:

Hi Mark,

Are you having any other network issues along with this problem? And have you scanned your computer for malware?

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