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Home • Forums • Computer Tips • Computer Repair • Programming • FSX • Web Design • Network • Downloads |
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Today's tip will show you how to block many common known spyware and virus websites by using a free custom HOSTS file. This file will prevent Windows from being able to visit many documented harmful websites. Step by Step Installation: The first thing you will need to do is download the custom hosts file off of the internet. You can download it here. The file will be downloaded directly from mvps.org, a website run by Microsoft most valued professional members. Once you download the zip file, you will need to extract it. In Windows XP you can right click on it and choose the "Extract All" option. Once the file is extracted, copy the file named "HOSTS" contained inside of the extracted folder. Now open up "My Computer" and navigate to C:/Windows/System32/Drivers/etc. If you see a file named "HOSTS" in this directory you're in the right place. Press CTRL-V to paste the new HOSTS file right over the old one. If you are asked if you want to replace the old file, choose "Yes". Now restart your computer. Next time you go online you should notice that many banner ads on websites that used to be there are now either completely gone or replaced by a white box. Don't worry, this means the HOSTS file is working! Not only does it block spyware and viruses but it also blocks some banner ads! The HOSTS file you just downloaded will not block all harmful websites, rather it will block harmful websites that the MVPs knew about at the time they created the file. Thus, it is important to still run up to date antivirus and antispyware software. You should also repeat this process at least once every six months to get the latest HOSTS file. If you want to block a website of your own, you can do that too! Navigate to C:/Windows/System32/Drivers/etc and right click on the HOSTS file. Choose "Open". When the box pops up, choose to pick a program from the list and then choose to open the HOSTS file in Notepad. Now navigate to the last line of the file. To block a website type: 127.0.0.1 sitetoblock.com Don't type www or http:// as this will not work. Also never delete the first line of the HOSTS file that looks like 127.0.0.1 localhost. Windows needs this! I hope this article has helped you in some way. If you need more help you can ask for help on our forums.
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