How+To+Install+a+HOSTS+File

How To Install a HOSTS File

[] Some little while ago I posted an article on Host Files and the benefit of them. On reflection I realised I had not explained how to install them so below is a step by step procedure, sorry for the delay must be senility

In order to place this file on your XP machine, download the HOSTS.zip file from the link above. Unzip the file so you can see the HOSTS.txt file. (If you want to look inside the file at this time, simply double click on the file to view the "banned" sites inside.) When you're ready, RIGHT click on the file, choose "Rename", then type so the file is name "HOSTS" with no file extension. In order for it to work correctly, it can not have the .txt file extension. Next right click on the "HOSTS" file, choose "Copy". Then double click on "My Computer" on your desktop, then double click on the "C" drive icon, again on then the "Windows" folder, followed by the "System32" folder, next the "Drivers" folder, finally on the "Etc" folder. Right click on a blank area in that folder, and select "Paste", the HOSTS file will be placed in the correct folder. Choose "yes", if it asks you to replace the other version that's already there. (On Windows 98/ME machines, the path is much easier. Simply place the HOSTS file in the "C\Windows" folder and you're ready to go.)

Now, on Windows 2000 and XP, you must disable the "DNS Client" service or the machine will slow to a crawl. Select Start > Run, in the box type (without the quotes) "services.msc", OK. When the "Services" window loads, scroll down to the "DNS Client" listing, right click on it, select "Properties". When that opens, in the "Start Up Type" line, use the drop down arrow to select "Manual". next in the "Service Status Line section, click on the "Stop" button. Now click on "Apply", then OK. Finally close the "Services" window by clicking on the X in the upper right corner.

Restart the computer. You're ready to use the HOSTS file. You'll notice when you visit websites, including the Cnet site, there will be a number of missing advertisements. If you don't like the general look of the "holes" that are created by the missing advertisements, there is a small program that can be installed which will fix that. It's called "eDexter" at the link below:

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If for some reason, you don't like the HOSTS file, simply delete it from the C\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc folder. It's also important to remember, the HOSTS file is a list of "banned" websites. If one of your favorite sites is in that list, you can easily open the HOSTS 