Hello all... One computer in our network is unable to "ping" to an entry stated at the hots/lmhost files. The TCP protocol appears to work OK otherwise, but one particular application (written in Progress) returns a TCP error. To make a long story short, after hours checking a myriad of settings and configurations, I noticed that this computer svchost.exe is dated 28 Feb 2002, while the other computers' svchost.exe are dated 29 Aug 2002 (all computers have had the latest XP updates and I wonder why they have different dates) I have a feeling that the "old" svchost.exe may be the source of the trouble and I'd like to replace it. BUT... Since it's a Windows file that is loaded on start-up, I cannot replace it because it's "in use". I tried to end the svchost processes using Task Manager, but when I end one of the svchost processes, the computer goes into shut down.... :-( How could I possibly replace the old svchost.exe with a newer version...?? Any help will be greatly appreciated! Paul

In answer to the date on the file, it should be the version # not the date. You could put your xp disk in the cdrom go to start run type in cmd at the prompt type in sfc /scannow that will fix the file if it is corrupted. May I suggest you search that particular pc for the file name Hosts and then right click them and rename them to oldhost.txt See if that helps, if not rename them back again. If you feel you must replace the svhost.exe you would have to do it in safe mode. Good Luck to you

Make sure svchost.exe installed properly (checked from Start up) you can use any software that include StartUp manager inside.

Many thanks, Robbie & X-treme. Will try your suggestions soon... Cheers, Paul