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General discussion

HOSTS File Problem - Not Blocking Websites (No Proxy Usage)

by misterbul May 30, 2007 2:20PM PDT

I'm already familiar with the many effective uses of the HOSTS file to block adservers, websites, and the like. However, I cannot seem to be able to do so. I do not use a proxy server, but I do use a router (Westell 327W). I have used both 127.0.0.1 and 0.0.0.0 for localhost and failed to block websites. I know the procedure for editting the HOSTS file and I use an simple and intuitive program called HostsXpert (http://www.funkytoad.com/content/view/13/31/), which enables me to add websites easily. As I said, I'm unable to block the websites although I do add them to the list. The HOSTS file is not a .txt file either. Thanks in advance. Any advice is appreciated.

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2 Posts

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Did you

by Darton Fury May 30, 2007 4:18PM PDT

flush the DNS cache after modifying your hosts file? Due to the order of name resolution, names in cache come before the hosts file. The command is ipconfig /flushdns.

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Thanks

by misterbul May 30, 2007 4:36PM PDT

Thanks for the advice. I'll try that when another problem arises. I discovered that my hosts file was corrupt. It must have been a trojan attack or the like. I didn't expect that since I do use Spyware Doctor and ZoneAlarm with AVG for viruses. Thanks again for a prompt reply.

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