Socket errors occur when a computer user connects to another computer or server through a socket, and there is a problem on either side of the connection. There are many different socket errors, but they all have similar causes. The most common cause is a firewall or antivirus program blocking the socket. Socket errors can be fixed, but they may require assistance from an Internet provider or server operator.
When a computer user checks email or uses instant messaging or a peer-to-peer (P2P) program, they open a socket and connect to another computer or server. A socket error occurs when there is a problem with the user’s computer or with the other computer or server while connecting. There are 100+ socket errors, but they all boil down to similar problems on both sides of the connection. Fixing a socket error is usually easy, but not always.
A computer socket connection occurs when both sides of the connection open a gateway to each other. In case of e-mail control, the user’s computer opens on a mail server, while the mail server accepts and opens on the user’s computer. Sockets are commonly used between different systems, but they can also be used in two programs on the same system. A socket can be thought of as a virtual cable between programs.
Socket errors occur when something prevents the socket from connecting. The socket error can come from the user’s computer or from the other computer or server. While there are many different socket errors, most of them are pretty much the same with some minor variation. The most common cause of a socket failure is a firewall or antivirus program blocking the socket.
On the user’s computer side, socket error problems usually stem from the Internet connection. If the user’s router goes down while connecting or if the program itself is accidentally closed, it may create a socket error. They could also be caused if the user’s Internet Protocol (IP) address is not configured correctly. The user should check these connections and may need to call the Internet provider for assistance.
The other side of the connection, the second computer or server, cannot be serviced by the person making the socket connection. Common reasons for socket errors on that side are that the server is down or idle, or that side is overloaded with visitors. It may be helpful to contact the server operator, if contact information is available. Until the server problem is corrected, the socket error will continue to appear.
Socket errors can occur when a connection is being established or in the middle of a connection. If it occurs while connected, any download or upload will cease. Fixing the error will restore the connection and everything should continue where it left off.
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