where to find anETC Host file 2

[glenmac]

I found a link to a file to stop spyware websites earlier but lost it due to a crash, and was wondering if anyone here had found the same link. The file is called host and it is used in the winnt/system32/drivers/etc directory. All help will be greatly appreciated.

Glen

http://lantzvillecomputers.ca

 

[Grenage]

The HOSTS file is a normal Windows file, it contains resolutions to servers and usually just Domain Names and IP addresses.

If you had a program relating to the HOSTS file it most likely just displayed the contents of it or allowed you to make it read only (stop programs from altering it).

It will not stop Spyware from being installed on your computer however.

 

[carrr]

Using a loaded HOSTS file can serve as a defense against some malwares. It's not foolproof, but serves as some degree of defense. I'm not sure if this is the exact site that glenmac is looking for, but it should do the trick:

http://www.everythingisnt.com/hosts.html

"'Tis an ill wind that blows no minds." - Malaclypse the Younger

 

[diogenes10]

http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/

Here's another link that someone provided awhile back.

Please also note that the location of the file is important too. I copied my hosts file onto a newly reformatted system awhile back and was then quite surprised to find the new system had a coolwebsearch problem. After cleaning up two systems, I now know that it is important to research the correct spot for the hosts file for your operating system.

 

[glenmac]

Thanks Carr and Diogenes, That is exactly what I was looking for. Grenage I suggest you do a little more research.

Glen

http://lantzvillecomputers.ca

 

[glenmac]

As an adendam I found that diogenes10's link is a more helpfull file, as it is more complete.

Glen

http://lantzvillecomputers.ca

 

[Grenage]

Grenage I suggest you do a little more research

Not at all, I stand by what I said as correct. The HOSTS file will not stop you getting infected but it can mask some of the symptoms when you are.

The HOSTS file simply contains addresses which redirect the spywares communications.

 

[glenmac]

Grenage if a website has a tracking cookie or adware, malware on it and you load the page you will be infected. If you use the hosts file to block such pages you can't be infected. Does this make sense to you?

Glen

http://lantzvillecomputers.ca

 

[Grenage]

Well yes of course, but that is assuming that the HOSTS file contains a list of every single spyware server.

This is obviously never going to happen.

Also assuming you have your internet security setting correctly configured you will not have a problem to begin with.