I am aware of how to use the hosts file by adding an IP address and a name in, although this has no effect at all. No matter what I type in it still won't look in the hosts file. For instance, we have a router here so I typed in it's IP address followed by ' router' and saved it. I did this to the hosts file and the hosts.msn file. When I type 'router' into internet explorer I just get the MSN search page, as if I had typed in "http://router.com". Is there any reason for this file not working? The same change on another pc on the network works fine and can access the router...

Have you cleared your cache? Jimi_l

Yep, no luck. Also tried what another website said about restarting the DNS service, and renaming the hosts file. After renaming it and rebooting the file didnt recreate itself, so I effectively have no hosts file now... Surely this indicates it's not even trying to look for it..