When a user tries to synchronize his or her computer with another computer or server, a socket is sent out to connect with the other machine. Socket errors happen when something prevents the socket from connecting or being sent out. Socket error 11001 happens when the server to which the user’s computer is attempting to connect does not exist. While the firewall may be responsible for many other socket errors, this is rare for error 11001. Instead, it often happens because the user inputted the incorrect host name or the domain name server (DNS) is set improperly to connect to a source that is not real.
Firewalls and antivirus programs are sometimes the reason for socket errors. Firewalls restricting inside and outside access to the computer can keep a socket from functioning correctly. Socket error 11001 is caused from a host or server being named incorrectly, so the firewall is rarely the reason behind this error. At the same time, shutting off the firewall may make the 11001 error disappear.
The major reason for this error is that the host or server is not named correctly. For example, if the user attempts to connect with host A but enters the name as host AB, the 11001 error will occur. The host name entered may be real for another computer, but the host name must be relevant for the user’s database.
Most commonly, socket error 11001 is fixed by typing in the real host’s name. The user going into the configuration settings and typing the host’s name normally corrects this issue. This requires the user to know the real host’s name. Sometimes a host name can be changed if the computer recently encountered any electrical or software problems.
If the host is down, it can also trigger socket error 11001. Other errors are more commonly triggered if the host is down, but this is still a viable trigger. In this instance, the user should ping the host or server to see if it is active, but only after ensuring that the host name is correct in the program.
The problem can also occur as a result of the router or modem skewing or changing the domain name system (DNS) and host connection and leading to the socket error 11001. If this is occurring, the user should call the Internet provider and get the provider's assistance with changing the router or modem settings. If an advanced operator is using the computer, he or she may be able to do this without the provider.