16 replies to this topic

[rridgely]

Ok the host file is something that has been discussed over and over again but I know some of you still dont use it fully. So I figured I would start this topic and tell you what you can do with a good host file.

Immunize your computer from infections
Block Adds
Block Cookies
Block Hijackers

I suggest you all take a look at this site:
http://www.mvps.org/...p2002/hosts.htm

If you dont want to read and just want to do it then download the host file here:
http://www.mvps.org/...p2002/hosts.zip

and download this
http://www.mvps.org/...2/DnsManual.bat


Download the first file and unzip all of its contents into a new folder and run the .bat file. Then run the .bat file from the second download. Then reboot and open up IE and experience ad free internet!



Forgot a good tip. After you do this browse to:

Start>My Computer>C Drive>Windows>System32>Drivers>ECT> Right click HOSTS go to properties and check read only.

Now you dont have to worry about a virus trying to edit/delete your host file.

[Andavari]

The MVPS hosts file blocks a whole ton of junk. I just copied the entries from their hosts file and pasted it into my already bloated hosts file because I didn't want mine to be overwritten and lost.

If anyone isn't going to use the MVPS hosts file here's a tid bit of info I found very interesting and important in the readme.txt file, and quickly applied it to my system with positive results:

Quote

[Important Notice - 2K/XP Users]
In most cases a large HOSTS file (over 135 kb) tends to slow down the machine. This only occurs
in W2000 and XP. Windows 98 and Windows ME are not affected.

To resolve this issue (manually) open the "Services Editor"

Start | Run (type) "services.msc" (no quotes)
Scroll down to "DNS Client", Right-click and select: Properties
Click the drop-down arrow for "Startup type"
Select: Manual, click Apply/Ok and restart.

[Mike Rochip]

It removes all the adds from Opera, too.

Thanks, rridgely !

[JohnDemolition]

Mike Rochip, on Apr 19 2006, 03:17 AM, said:

It removes all the adds from Opera, too.

Thanks, rridgely !

i also noticed that. the Google ads on here are all gone. pretty sweet.

[hazelnut]

Thanks rridgley, a really good topic subject.

P.S. Thanks also to Mike Rochip who helped me when I had a hiccough with this !

[Eldmannen]

I heard that there is a downside of having a large hosts file?

[rridgely]

Yeah eldmannen it can slow down your computer but disabling the service like the site says will prevent this.(that is what the second link in my first post is. Its a .bat file to put the service to manual)

[Mike Rochip]

Eldmannen, on Apr 19 2006, 02:29 PM, said:

I heard that there is a downside of having a large hosts file?

That's the beauty of it. The hosts file is only 432K. Then entire Etc folder is only 884K. I was going to install Hostman but with SpyWareBlaster blocking malicious sites and this mod blocking advertisements it's the best of both worlds without having a giant hosts file.

I used to have Hostman with it's humongous hosts file but I reinstalled XP recently and hadn't reinstalled it. So far no bad sites and now no advertisements, I haven't even had to use AdBlock lately.

As lokoike would say w00t! w00t! FTW!

[Nameless]

Thanks rridgely, all the ads are gone.

[Parvez]

Thanks rridgely (H)

[1984]

i didnt get a bat file when i hit the link. or maybe i am doing something wrong. just to lines of jibberish pop up.

[rridgely]

With the first or second link? If you mean the first one make sure you made a new folder and put all the contents of the zip file into it. Then run the .bat file.

[1984]

first link is fine-get an archived file which i unpacked into a folder.

second link gives me a blank screen except for this:

sc config DNSCache start= demand
sc stop DNSCache

thats all it says, no file or anything.

[rridgely]

yeah thats what it was supposed to do. To make sure it did what its supposed to do go to start run and type services.msc and then scroll down to DNS client and make sure it says manual beside it.

[1984]

ok, downloaded and ran the first link.

clicked the second and then did what you said.

it says automatic by DNS client.

hmmmmmm.

edit-never mind, i ran it from internet explorer (instead of firefox) and now it says manual.

thanks rridgely!

[JohnDemolition]

Lordoftheweb, on Apr 20 2006, 06:21 PM, said:

first link is fine-get an archived file which i unpacked into a folder.

second link gives me a blank screen except for this:

sc config DNSCache start= demand
sc stop DNSCache

thats all it says, no file or anything.

that is a .bat file. the browser you used was braindead and opened it instead of downloading it.

[JohnDemolition]

*bump*

sorry for bumping this but i just had to ask. right now, i am using Spybot and SpywareBlaster as my spyware/malware/other protection. since i just replaced my hosts file, should i get rid of SpywareBlaster?