How to Fix Network Problems Caused by Bonjour

When turning on a computer, it is normal for the Operating System to load all necessary drivers to run specific devices. One of the primary ones would be the Ethernet adapter, which is responsible for providing connectivity with any type of network.

Should your adapter not be running automatically upon startup, you may want to begin by checking to see if a particular software is causing conflicts. There is one known as Bonjour, which is commonly included with applications such as Apple iTunes and Adobe Suite, among others. This is often known to cause such issues.

Bonjour locates devices such as printers and other computers, identifying the services that these devices offer on a local network using multicast Domain Name System (mDNS) service records. However, this feature is not essential for all users.

Method 1: Removing the software through run box

Update 2013/12/31: Newer versions of Bonjour can just be uninstalled from “Programs and Features” (Add/remove programs). However, each time you update iTunes you have to remove it again.

1. Press and hold the Windows Key + R and type down the following command.

“%PROGRAMFILES%\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe” -remove

2. Press and hold the Windows Key + R and type down the following command.

regsvr32 /u “%PROGRAMFILES%\Bonjour\mdnsNSP.dll”

After you restart, you can safely delete the Bonjour folder without errors.

Method 2: Disable Bonjour Service

1. Press and hold Windows Key + R and type down “services.msc” without the quotes.
2. Look for the service named “Bonjour”. Sometimes it will show up as “##Id_String1.6844F930_1628_4223_B5CC_5BB94B879762##”
3. Double click on the service, stop it and then set the startup type as disabled.
4. Restart your computer.

Method 3: Uninstall from Control Panel

1. Open the start menu and open the Control Panel
2. Select Program and Features.
3. Look for Bonjour and select uninstall.
4. Restart your computer.

If removing Bonjour did not resolve the issue, then reinstalling the drivers for the Ethernet adapter could remove any type of conflict with software and resolve the issue.

Method 4: Reinstalling driver for the Network Adapter

1. Hold the Windows key and press R. Type ‘control panel’ and click ‘OK.
2. Open Device Manager.
3. Display the network adapters, right click on the one with the issue, and uninstall.
4. You will be prompted to remove the software. Click ‘Yes‘.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Once the computer is back on, visit the website of your motherboard’s manufacturer and download the most updated Ethernet driver.
7. Install the downloaded driver, and restart the computer to see if the problem was fixed.

Last but not least, if the issue presented is not related to a software or driver conflict, then it is very possible that it is hardware related.

Method 5: Replacing Network Adapter

1. Confirm what type of Network Adapter you will be buying depending on the slots available in your motherboard (PCI, PCIe, USB, mSATA).
2. Go into the Start Menu, open the Control Panel, search for the Device Manager, select the current network adapter, right-click it and disable it.
3. Purchase the network adapter from your preferred location and install it.
4. Once installed, go to the manufacturer website of the device and download the most updated drivers.
5. Install the drivers, and restart your computer.