Netsh Winsock Reset to fix Windows Firewall error

I tried to turn on Windows Firewall but I could not make it on and got this message "Windows cannot start the Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing Service." With Event ID 7023. I tried to search information for fixing this error and came across 'Winsock Reset' process that can help to get rid of this error. But I wanted to know what this command does and is it safe to use this command?

Many Internet connectivity problems are caused by corrupt winsock settings. Windows sockets settings may become corrupted due to a networking software installation, such as spyware. A winsock reset restores Windows Socket settings to defaults, which may help to restore connectivity to the computer. To do a winsock reset in Windows XP, open a command prompt and type in: netsh winsock reset catalog

To do Winsock Reset --

1. Click on the "Start" button. Click "Run." Type the word "cmd" in the open box. When the DOS screen comes up, type "netsh winsock reset." Press "Enter." Type "exit" to close the DOS window and go back to Windows.
   
   
2. Restart the computer. Check to see if the problem is resolved. If it isn't, open the Windows Registry. Click "Start" and type "Run." Type "regedit" in the open box.
   
   
3. Select "File" from the menu. Click "Export." Choose a location to export the Registry to. Name the exported file "backup.reg."
   
   
4. Choose the key "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE." Click the plus sign to expand the key. Click the key "System" and expand it. Navigate to "CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock." Right-click the "Winsock" key and select "Delete." Click "Yes" to confirm the deletion.
   
   
5. Navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\Winsock2." Right-click the "Winsock2" key and delete it. Click "Yes" to confirm. Exit the Registry Editor. Find the file "backup.reg" that you exported and save it to a CD or disk. Restart the computer.
   
   
6. Right-click "My Network Places" on the desktop. Right-click the network connection icon. Click "Properties." Click "Install," "Protocol" and "Add." Click "Have Disk" and type in "c:\windows\inf." Click "OK."
   
   
7. Choose "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" from the list of available protocols. If it does not appear, click "Start" and choose "Search." Check the options to search system folders, hidden files and folders, and subfolders. Search for the file "nettcpip.inf." Click "Install." Restart the computer.

Courtesy: eHow.com

This MS articale can help you get rid of this error,
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=811259

Note: The Winsock reset will only work if you have Windows XP Service Pack 2 installed on your machine.


Also have a look at this thread
http://forums.techarena.in/networkin...ty/1129169.htm