Hello fellow techies, I have a question and advice (maybe) I always goto to http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
and download the latest host file and put it in C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC as HOSTS.
Sometimes, I'm unable to go to a web site most of the time, I'm unable to hit the backspace, goback,etc button. this is because the host file does something that prevents it. ( computing.net is my first major issue and it's my homepage ) porno is not my issue ( I say to my friends to stop because of the spy/malware ) but that's on them. I goto many tech sites. Try to refrain from bouncing to www.thetechspot.com - they have been known to be a large void of crap now. I get page can't be displayed in the past 18days. THE Question-- in XP there is a firewall and I forgot how t turn it on. I have adaware, AVG, winpatrol(excellent) spybot, cwshredder, spywareguard (excellent) that's it. what am I missing?

I have XP Pro-Home-W98-W2000, 2.0-1.6, 512ram, all totally updated ( seems to be a problem also) never put SP1 or Sp2--SP2 F&%#ed up my 4 RIG network.
So if you get a chance, bounce back a MSG or e-mail me ( I also have many .reg files if your interested ) great to speed up the web.
ps open your RWIN file in regedit to 1,365,284

pss this is the best site on the global net and I have learned everything from it ( I gave my CNA, A+, Network, MCSC & C++ teachers and class this site.

GOD Bless you all and your families

= Carmine =

Hi Carmine,

I wouldn'y use the XP firewall. I use Zone Alarm.

You can add sites to your hosts file with this handy dandy batch file [all one line]:

if not %1'==' echo 127.0.0.1 %1 #PRE>>C:\WINNT\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

M2

If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.

I don't know what you mean when I make the

.bat if not %1'==' echo 127.0.0.1 %1 #PRE>>C:\WINNT\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

it did nothing to my host file.

You run the BAT with one parameter, the name of the site to block.

Like this:

MYbat abc.com

which will add this line to HOSTS:

127.0.0.1 abc.com #PRE

If you don't give a site name, it just quits.

M2

If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.

The reason your back button doesn't work is because it goes back to 127.0.0.1 which is your own machine and doesn't display. It will work on second click, but:

Search for a program called eDexter which runs in conjunction with your hosts file. This introduces a proxy server to act as your own machine and remedies this problem. You get a small red line instead of adverts and your back button works just fine.

A few tips:
Reduce the image size in eDexter and this will improve display of text around certain advert images (I can explain further if interested).

Always make your hosts file first entry read:
127.0.0.1 localhost (this prevents rather misleading reports if your firewall becomes involved).

Derek.W

I might as well explain my last para now:

When you install eDexter there are 6 images in its program folder. Unless they have since been modified then each image is 333x55 (pixel width x height).

Use PhotoShop/Irfan View or whatever program you have to hand, to reduce each image down to 144x24. You will find this much better than with the sizes provided, which can sometimes overlap text. I've never looked back since I did this.

If you are into Hosts then eDexter is a must in my opinion.

Derek.W

A bit more....

There are a stack of hosts file sources if you search Google (including SpyBot S&D), together with freebie hosts file managment programs.

Always make your hosts file read only otherwise it can be used against you.

Derek.W

Hi Derek,

What is your opinion on the oft heard caution that a large HOSTS file slows things down?

TIA

M2

If at first you don't succeed, you're about average.

you guys are great. thank you so much

M2

I've never noticed any slow down despite having a fairly long hosts file. System presumably has to scan it so I suppose there must be some small affect.

Derek.W