Windows Socket Initialization Failure

When ever I try to load new software I get an error that reads "windows socket initialization failure ". What is this failure and how can it be fixed? I loaded several other programs sucessfully and now all of a sudden I can't load anything. I even tried loading manually right from the disc and I still get the error as soon as I click on "autorun" or "setup ". Any and all hel is appreciated. I am running Windows 2000 Professional

 

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