Configure Hosts File

[addie]

I just came across this:-

So the Hosts file on your computer has the potential to be both good and bad.

Good:

If a web address and its associated IP address are listed in your Hosts file, your computer does not have to query a DNS server to find the IP address of the site. This can be slightly faster, depending on circumstances.

Some services provide Hosts files that block access to a number of bad sites, or advertising sites. They use the ability of the Hosts file to point a web address to an incorrect IP address (such as the local address, 127.0.0.1) to prevent your computer from connecting to download ads or other potentially unwanted material.

Bad:

If a web site has moved to a new IP address, an old entry in your Hosts file can render it inaccessible.

Some malicious programs use the features of the Hosts file to redirect legitimate sites (such as banking sites) to fake servers, which can put your personal information at risk, block access to legitimate resources, or expose your computer to more ads or exploits.


SpywareBlaster provides the ability to keep encrypted backup copies of your Hosts file. Should an unwanted program change your Hosts file maliciously, SpywareBlaster makes it easy to restore a good backup copy of your Hosts file - and restore proper access to web sites.

Does this mean that my SpywareBlaster sorts this out as and when?

From a point of interest, I've just added Spybot S&D back into my system.

[nob]

Addie have a read of this forum about the two progs. It reads as if you use the immunize feature it adds many entries to the host file slowing the browser, IIR you had many entries in the host file.

[addie]

Jan 6, 2014 9:45:22 GMT nob said:

Addie have a read of this forum about the two progs. It reads as if you use the immunize feature it adds many entries to the host file slowing the browser, IIR you had many entries in the host file.

Thanks for that Nob. Thing is that after reading that link, I'm still not sure what I need to do. I went into my Spybot S&D and did a 'Undo Immunization'. When it finished, this left me with a message " 0 of 187884 are already immunized, but 187884 are still unprotected." I already have a Hosts file which is now probably bloated out of recognition and to be honest, I think I would like to blow everything out and start again. Any more ideas please?........Thanks.

[nob]

Are you after deleting the entries in the host file Addie, I would do it manually, what windows is it your using,

run notepad as administrator, file open then browse to your drive then windows then system32 then drivers then etc, make it show all files then you will see the host file. If it is indeed bloated, highlight the top entry the hold shift and highlight the bottom one then they will all be highlighted then right click and delete and save when asked.

[addie]

Thanks Nob. I've found them !! thousands! These are entries inserted by Spybot and are all 127.0.0.1. I've not deleted yet but what do you mean by "Delete and SAVE when asked"? I know I've asked questions on the hosts file before on another thread but I can't seem to get my head round it! If I delete all these, are they likely to come back? As you advised, I won't be immunizing again thru Spybot.

[addie]

Sorry Nob....I'm using XP Pro SP3

[nob]

Addie, I meant delete the entries and then close the host file and it will ask if you want to save the changes, click yes. They will not come back unless you immunize again.

[addie]

All done and dusted. Thanks for the help Nob.

[nob]

Sorted, well done.