NET HELPMSG 2182 is a command in the Windows operating system that retrieves the message associated with a specific error code related to the network when using the command prompt. Error code 2182 usually indicates that there is an issue with the network location awareness service on Windows PC. This service is responsible for detecting the network and informing applications about the network connectivity status.

NET HELPMSG 3521, on the other hand, is a command that retrieves the message associated with a specific error code related to the Windows Firewall. Error code 3521 usually indicates that there is a problem with the Windows Firewall settings, and the firewall failed to initialize properly.

Both of these Windows errors are common, but difficult to parse because they’re so vague. So, if you encounter these errors on your Windows 10 or 11 computer, what can you do to fix them?
How to Troubleshoot and Fix NET HELPMSG 2182 or NET HELPMSG 3521 Issue on Windows 10/11 PC
Fixing these errors isn’t actually all too difficult, but it does demand that users know what to do off of the bat. If you’re not particularly tech savvy, then don’t worry, we’re here to help you out.
We’ve compiled a few simple step-by-step guides below that will make things much easier for you. Just follow these guides, and you should solve this issue in no time!
Fixing NET HELPMSG 2182 Windows Error Message
- Open Command Prompt as an Administrator.
- To do this, press the Windows key + X, and then click on “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the menu.
- Type in “net stop cryptSvc” and press Enter in order to stop the Cryptographic Service.
- Type in “ren %systemroot%\System32\Catroot2 oldcatroot2” and press Enter. This command will rename the Catroot2 folder.
- Type in “net start cryptSvc” and press Enter. This command will start the Cryptographic Service.
- Type in “net start bits” and press Enter. This command will start the Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
- Type in “net start wuauserv” and press Enter. This command will start the Windows Update Service.
- Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.
Troubleshooting and Fixing NET HELPMSG 3521 Error
- Open Command Prompt as an Administrator.
- To do this, press the Windows key + X, and then click on “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the menu.
- Type in “net stop wuauserv” and press Enter. This command will stop the Windows Update Service.
- Type in “cd /d %windir%\SoftwareDistribution” and press Enter. This command will navigate to the SoftwareDistribution folder.
- Type in “rd /s DataStore” and press Enter. This command will delete the DataStore folder.
- Type in “rd /s Download” and press Enter. This command will delete the Download folder.
- Type in “net start wuauserv” and press Enter. This command will start the Windows Update Service.
- Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.
In Closing
Now, while some of these fixes may be a bit more difficult than the average general fix, these guides should simplify things significantly. As long as you’ve been following these guides accordingly, things will work out fine when you encounter error message NET HELPMSG 2182 or NET HELPMSG 3521 on your PC. We hope we managed to help you with solving your issue, and for more fixes like this, stay tuned!