Windows could not start the Network Location Awareness service on Local computer

Problem:

Cannot connect to the internet either wireless or hard-wired with a pop-up balloon on the system tray stating that "connection status: unknown" and "the dependency service or group failed to start".

When you check the Network Location Awareness service, it is stopped. Starting it will fail with error message ""Windows could not start the Network List Service service on Local Computer. The dependency service or group failed to start".

Solution:

You will need to run a command prompt as administrator

Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt (Right-Click and Run as Administrator)

At the command Prompt type : netsh winsock reset

Press enter and then restart the computer.