missing dll file Windows 98

Trourble shooting for a friend - when booting up this message appears
missing WS2_32.dll file.
What does this file do and how can it be corrected?

 

Eleanor316--WS2_32.dll is a Windows file and is described as "Windows Socket 2.0 32-Bit DLL "
It probably can be restored by using the "Extract one file... " function in System File Checker, since I see that mine is still the one that originally came with Win98FE and has not been updated by various patches over the years.
If you do not know how to use System File Checker, post back. If your friend has a full Windows install CD, you will need that when asked "Restore From ". If however, the Windows installation was done at the PC mfr, the files will be in C:\Windows\Options\Cabs. Just type that in when asked "Restore from ". The new WS2_32.dll file should be put into C:\Windows\System.
P.S. You can also get the .dll file from various DLL download pages, but I do not recommend that, if the above works. That way you will get the right version for the OS and has no viruses, etc.
However,
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=WS2_32.dll+&btnG=Google+Search

 

I found a site which claims I can download the file

http://www.dll-files.com/dllindex/index.shtml

What do you think, is it safe to download from here?

 

Eleanor316--Your last post crossed my edit of my original. In my edit, I give you my opinion of downloading .dll files. But it is up to you.
System File Checker is very easy to use to restore a damaged/missing Windows file
http://support.earthlink.net/mu/1/psc/img/walkthroughs/windows_9x_nt/browsers/ie_5.0/5296.psc.html
Just substitute WS2_32.dll for rasapi32.dll in these instructions.
And if you use the CD you can easily find it by clicking the Browse button in the "Restore from" line, if you do not know what to type.

 

I used system file checker and extracted the files from the program CD and all is well. Thanks.

 

Eleanor316--Thanks for posting back. Pleased to hear the good results and know that a suggestion worked.