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Host File


rridgely

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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/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

 

If you dont want to read and just want to do it then download the host file here:

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.zip

 

and download this

http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/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! :D

 

 

 

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.

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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:

[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.

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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)

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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!

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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.

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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! :)

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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.

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