Network Problem Resolved Itself After Wireshark Install

Hello all,

I have a bit of an odd scenario.

We have been having network issues with one of our applications here downloading files from a server. It affects about half the PC's.

In order to troubleshoot this problem I was going to try using Wireshark to look at the traffic. I noticed the problem went away soon as Wireshark was installed and came back soon as it was uninstalled.

I'm thinking this may be more related to Npcap that gets installed with it.

Does anyone know what it is changing during install that may be causing these issues to go away?

It would be nice to know what it is changing that is essentially "fixing" the issues without actually having to install either one.

Thanks, Justin

JustinDS89's avatar
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JustinDS89
asked 2020-07-01 20:49:58 +0000
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You didn't mention what the download issues are or versions for OS and npcap.
Perhaps it's similar to this issue affected by throughput.

Chuckc's avatar Chuckc (2020-07-01 21:15:29 +0000) edit
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That's for the reply Chuck.

The download issue is that the software reaches out to the server to pull files down after an update to the client. It starts the process and then hangs indefinitely.

This is 64 bit Windows 10.

The problem actually is resolved with installing Wireshark and Npcap.

I don't recall the version of Npcap. I will have to verify, but I do know it's whatever version is packaged with the latest Wireshark.

JustinDS89's avatar JustinDS89 (2020-07-01 21:38:25 +0000) edit
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Wireshark 3.2.5 just came out today so will assume your install is 3.2.4 which included "Npcap 0.9991".
Npcap is available as a standalone download here.
It would be nice to remove Wireshark from the equation if possible.

Chuckc's avatar Chuckc (2020-07-01 21:54:48 +0000) edit
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What happens if you uninstall Npcap?

If that causes the issues to come back, do they then go away if you re-install Npcap?

Guy Harris's avatar Guy Harris (2020-07-01 22:03:58 +0000) edit
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Thanks Chuck and Guy, I know the problem comes back when uninstalling Wireshark and Npcap at the same time.

Let me confirm if it is just Npcap that is affecting things and taking Wireshark out of the equation if possible.

Btw Guy I have found one person with a very similar scenario as mine from 2013 (no resolution I saw), but I believe you were the one that posted on that actually.

I really appreciate the help though as this is a bit odd and really trying to figure out what's happening.

I won't be able to confirm if it's just Npcap or not until in the morning though.

JustinDS89's avatar JustinDS89 (2020-07-01 22:17:42 +0000) edit
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