winsock failed to intialize

After changing a name of a computer with Novell client32 loaded I had problems that lead to a win98 setup from the local cab files setup. Now ping will not work or any internet browsing. I have reinstalled Windows twice. copied wsock32, winsock.dll from another computer,and uninstalled the dialup adapter, ethernet card, protocols. clients.Reinstalled all of the above in various order. winipcfg and ping say they can not intialize a winsock socket.
Is this a path issue, version issue,???
I had this issue once before when trying to get rid of a virus that messed with the winsock.dll. I had to blow away the hard drive and start all over. If there is a better way, I need help.
Thank you
Jeff