XPSP2 will limit your max. connections/sec


Recommended Posts

For those of you who apparently didn't know:

All P2P apps open and close a lot of connections concurrently, especially as they begin to hook up to their respective networks. Due to the inherently unpredictable nature of the networks many, if not most, of these connections will fail because the users have turned off the software or the IP addresses have changed.

As it works now this currently buggy beta security measure invariably interferes with legitimate P2P applications but this problem will be worked out so that both can coexist. For example, digitally signed software on a trusted root may be given a pass, but that check has yet to be built in because the throttle is still unfinished.

So: Don't panic just yet. ;]

Aaron.Walkhouse

www.bearshare.net

P.S: P2P is just as legal as a VCR and will stay that way.

I, for one, find plenty of legal things to share and download with ease.

this worked for me

http://www.lvllord.de/4226fix/4226fix-en.htm

After the "EventID 4226: TCP/IP has reached the security limit imposed on the number of concurrent TCP connect attempts" drove me almost crazy, I used the day to create a fix for this "feature" (we can discuss about).

Unfortunately there exists no REG-key which could easily be set (would be to nice, right? *smile*). The file TCPIP.SYS in the directory C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS and C:\WINDOWS\SERVICEPACKFILES\I386 has to be changed (system dependend eventually in C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DLLCACHE, too).

Needed things:

- XP SP2 RC1/RC2/RC2-2 (Build 2096/2149/2162)

- patcher

- a small amount of time

What is been done:

To say it easy: the before 10 half-open connections are beeing increased to 16,7 mio and the CRC is been corrected. And that's it!

Comment:

The method described here, should only be used by users, who know how to handle all the described. With the download of the here published program the user know, that changes are made on third party files. For damages in every kind I cannot be hold responsible for. Indeed, tests with build 2149 and 2162 worked fine here (build 2096 I couldn't test because of missing servicepack). However, nothing is impossible.

Info: When error occurs, the patcher can change the TCPIP.SYS back to the original!

Instruction:

Copy the TCPIP.SYS from C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\TCPIP.SYS to a new, clean directory (e.g C:\FIX) and copy the patcher to the same. Execute the patcher. It will automatically find out the build of your TCPIP.SYS and if it's already patched and ask, if it should patch/undo it.

Now restart your computer an press F8 short after the Bios is done and start in securemode (don't know the right translation!).

Then we go into the directory C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS and overwrite the existing TCPIP.SYS with our patched one and the repeat this with the directory C:\WINDOWS\SERVICEPACKFILES\I386 and system dependend eventually with C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DLLCACHE.

  • 2 weeks later...
theres no reason they should worry about it, the only time you have a large number of connections is on P2P , which isnt legal , therefore they arent going to trouble themselfs to let you download porn... i dont blame them,

Have you thought about any legal reasons? How about querying 20,000 game servers quickly? You need to in order to get a list of game servers in your server browser.

People don't get it. This is a good thing. It doesn't affect P2P or anything at all.

It only affects connections that will never happen because the host is unreachable (=dead) so there would be no connection in the first place anyway. It just limits the attempts per second to try and reach those dead hosts again. If anything it will make your connection faster because less bandwith is being wasted on waiting on responses and resending of connection requests from/to unreachable networks.

If you change the value you're connection might actually get slower because it gets satured with useless connection requests.

For once MS did a really good thing and all the kids are crying like if someone stole their sweets.

Edited by thop
It only affects connections that will never happen because the host is unreachable (=dead) so there would be no connection in the first place anyway. It just limits the attempts per second to try and reach those dead hosts again. If anything it will make your connection faster because less bandwith is being wasted on waiting on responses and resending of connection requests from/to unreachable networks.

i totally understand where you're coming from here but i think microsoft managed to stuff that one up aswell. do me a favour, look at your current netstat. the oh so stereotypical microsoft winsock api has exactly what we've come to expect.

out of my netstat output 2 connections were useful (msn messenger and the connection im using to load the images on this page) 8 connections were dead but not properly closed . if i understand this correctly sp2 would therefore deduce that i can use a whole 2 more connections on dead hosts.

if i had to choose between network saturation and rapid network scanning (like in non udp game server finders) i think i like the rapid network scanning :D

Is there a way other than the lvllord's patch that we can manually edit the tcpip.sys file ? (btw: the patch works with RTM 2180; at least xp boots up normally with patched tcpip.sys but could not test it with a p2p)

I mean how can i edit tcpip.sys file myself ?

Also what's the original value in SP1's tcpip.sys ? (i want to implement this value to the SP2's tcpip.sys file)

for those who want to test it out, lvllord has a batch file on that site

@echo off
for /l %%a in (1,1,20) DO start telnet 192.168.0.254

where 192.168.0.254 is an ip in your subnet that doesn't have a computer attached to it. then you can look for the EventID 4226 :D

Oh my god. I just read this whole thread, and I am absolutely sickened that people aren't even reading previous replies, and information posted right within this very thread to counter some claims made. It makes me want to cry.

I feel your pain, but reading 10 pages is just not something some folks have the patience for. Sorry.

Bottom line is that as long as you can turn stuff like this off, the world will still be ok for most of us. :)

Those manual instructions does NOT say how can i edit it manually...

I can use a Hex Editor to edit (i assume) but don't know where to start...

If you can use a hex editor (don't assume too much), that page gives you the values (& their offset position) to edit - but only specifically for versions; 2096, 2149, 2162 & 2180.

In further reading, it almost sounds like this "feature" is misunderstood. I don't think it is designed to screw you up and goof on your peer to peer, but is really just supposed to help protect your system.

Anyone else get that read from the data out there?

Thanks,

BK

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Amazon Prime Day slashes Samsung's newest Galaxy Watch Ultra by 45 percent by Karthik Mudaliar Samsung’s flagship Android smartwatch has received one of its steepest Prime Day cuts. Amazon has dropped the 2025 Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra in Titanium Blue to $357.24, saving buyers around $292 from its $649.99 list price. That's a 45 percent discount (purchase link below). The 47mm Galaxy Watch Ultra uses a titanium casing and a 1.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 480 x 480 and peak brightness of 3,000 nits. It includes LTE connectivity, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, NFC, and dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS for more accurate outdoor route tracking. The 2025 model has 64GB of storage, a 590mAh battery, sapphire crystal glass, 10ATM water resistance, IP68 protection, and MIL-STD-810H durability testing. Its health and fitness tools include heart rate monitoring, sleep coaching, Energy Score, Running Coach, body composition analysis, temperature sensing, and ECG support, where available. This model is best suited to Android users who regularly run, hike, cycle, or train outdoors and want cellular access without carrying a phone. The larger battery, rugged construction, bright display, and dedicated Quick Button also make it a stronger option than Samsung’s regular Galaxy Watch models for extended workouts and demanding environments. Grab the Titanium Blue Galaxy Watch Ultra before the Prime Day price resets: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) [Sold and Shipped by Amazon] Good to know This Amazon deal is U.S. specific, and not available in other regions unless specified. We only use first-party seller links (at the time of article publishing); ensure that you purchase from a first-party seller link only. Check out Today's Deals on Amazon | or our recent tech deals. Become a Prime member (for Students or SNAP) via Neowin Get Prime Access - Prime for half price (for qualifying Medicaid, EBT, SNAP) Subscribe to Prime Video, Audible Plus, Music Unlimited or Kindle Unlimited via Neowin As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • Google begins rolling out its post-Epic Play Store billing model next week by Karthik Mudaliar Google has confirmed that its redesigned Play Store billing and fee structure will take effect on June 30, 2026, in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Economic Area. The changes will let eligible developers offer their own payment systems or send users to an external website for purchases, while separating Google’s platform service fee from the cost of using Google Play Billing. The rollout puts concrete dates and detailed rate cards behind the broader Android policy overhaul Google announced in March. That announcement followed a proposed settlement with Epic Games intended to resolve their long-running disputes over app distribution and payments, although the U.S. portion of the agreement still requires court approval. Under the new billing choice program, developers selling digital content or services can display an alternative payment option alongside Google Play Billing. They may also direct users to their own websites to complete a purchase. Developers can use Google’s standard payment-choice screen or design one that complies with the company’s user-interface rules. Choosing another payment processor does not eliminate Google’s cut altogether. The company will continue charging a service fee for transactions associated with apps distributed through Google Play, regardless of whether payment is handled by Google, an alternative provider, or a developer’s website. Google argues that this fee covers the value and infrastructure provided by Android and the Play Store. For developers earning up to $1 million annually, the service fee will generally be 10 percent. That rate also applies to auto-renewing subscriptions. When Google Play Billing is used in the U.S., U.K., or EEA, Google will add a separate 5 percent billing fee, and developers processing payments elsewhere will not pay that additional charge. This means Google’s familiar flat 30 percent commission is disappearing, but developers will not necessarily see a dramatic reduction on every transaction. An in-app purchase from an existing user processed through Google Play Billing can still reach a combined 30 percent. The biggest savings are likely to come from subscriptions, smaller developers covered by the $1 million tier, and companies able to move customers to their own payment infrastructure. Google is also offering lower rates through its Apps Experience and revamped Games Level Up programs. Apps and games that satisfy the company’s requirements can qualify for 15 percent service fees on new-install transactions and 20 percent on existing-install transactions. The criteria include performance and reliability standards, support for additional Android device categories, and selected platform features. Those program rates are scheduled to become available in the initial markets and Australia on September 30. For consumers, the immediate effect will depend on whether developers adopt alternative payments and pass any savings on through lower prices. For developers, however, June 30 begins a more flexible but considerably more complicated Play Store economy in which distribution, billing, install dates, revenue thresholds, and program participation can each affect Google’s final cut. Google is also separately developing a Registered App Stores program designed to simplify the installation of qualifying third-party stores. That initiative is expected to arrive with a major Android release later in 2026 and will launch outside the U.S. first. Google says the rest of the world will receive the changes by September 30, 2027, although billing rates for markets outside the US, UK, and EEA have not yet been announced.
    • 38% off a super insane price is still an INSANE price.
    • 1TB Samsung T9 and Samsung 9100 PRO SSDs are now selling at great prices by Fiza Ali Amazon is now offering the 1TB variant of Samsung T9 and Samsung 9100 PRO SSD at great prices with limited-time 38% and 39% discounts, respectively, so you may want to check them out if you have been looking to upgrade your storage solution. The Samsung T9 connects via a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbps) interface and delivers sequential read speeds of up to 2,000MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 1,950MB/s, making it suitable for transferring large files, backing up data, and handling high-resolution media content. When it comes to the security features, the SSD includes AES 256-bit hardware encryption to help protect sensitive data. Designed for portability, the drive is reportedly resistant to drops from heights of up to 3 metres. Furthermore, it operates within a temperature range of 0°C to 60°C and can be stored at temperatures between -40°C and 85°C. Samsung Magician Software is included for drive management, firmware updates, performance optimisation, and health monitoring. Finally, the T9 is certified to multiple international standards, including CE, FCC, UL, UKCA, and RoHS 2 compliance, and is backed by a five-year limited warranty as well. 1TB Samsung T9 SSD: $179.99 (Amazon US) - 38% off The Samsung 9100 PRO uses the M.2 2280 form factor and connects through a PCIe 5.0 x4 interface with NVMe 2.0 support. Built with Samsung V-NAND TLC flash memory, an in-house controller, and 1GB of low-power DDR4X cache memory, the 9100 PRO is engineered for high-performance computing and gaming workloads. Furthermore, the SSD delivers sequential read speeds of up to 14,700MB/s and sequential write speeds of up to 13,300MB/s. Random performance is rated at up to 1,850,000 IOPS for reads and up to 2,600,000 IOPS for writes, depending on system hardware and configuration. The drive supports TRIM, S.M.A.R.T monitoring, automatic garbage collection, and device sleep mode to help maintain performance and efficiency over time. In terms of security features, it includes AES 256-bit encryption, TCG Opal support, and IEEE 1667 compliance. The 9100 PRO operates within a temperature range of 0°C to 70°C, is rated for 1.5 million hours MTBF, and can reportedly withstand shocks of up to 1,500G for 0.5 milliseconds. Finally, Samsung Magician Software is also included for firmware updates, performance monitoring, drive management, and optimisation. 1TB Samsung 9100 PRO SSD: $206.99 (Amazon US) - 39% off Alternatively, you can also check out other SSD deals here. Good to know This Amazon deal is U.S. specific, and not available in other regions unless specified. We only use first-party seller links (at the time of article publishing); ensure that you purchase from a first-party seller link only. Check out Today's Deals on Amazon | or our recent tech deals. Become a Prime member (for Students or SNAP) via Neowin Get Prime Access - Prime for half price (for qualifying Medicaid, EBT, SNAP) Subscribe to Prime Video, Audible Plus, Music Unlimited or Kindle Unlimited via Neowin As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
  • Recent Achievements

    • Dedicated
      Scoobystu earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • First Post
      Tom Schmidt earned a badge
      First Post
    • One Month Later
      D0nn13 earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Rookie
      +ChiefOfNeo went up a rank
      Rookie
    • One Year In
      Tom Schmidt earned a badge
      One Year In
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      463
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      177
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      124
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      81
    5. 5
      Xenon
      76
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!