MVP hosts

Similar Questions

• Update - 15/06/11: MVPS hosts

  The HOSTS of MVP file has been recently updated [June 15, 2011]
  
  http://winhelp2002.MVPs.org/hosts.htm
  
  Download: hosts.zip (149 kb)
  http://winhelp2002.MVPs.org/hosts.zip

  How to: Download and extract the HOSTS file
  http://winhelp2002.MVPs.org/hosts2.htm

  HOSTS file - Frequently asked Questions
  http://winhelp2002.m...RG/hostsfaq.htm

  Note: the 'text' version is a great resource to determine the possible unwanted connections...
  http://winhelp2002.MVPs.org/hosts.txt (605 kb)

  Receive messages when the MVPS HOSTS file is updated
  http://winhelp2002.m...org/updates.htm

  Thank you for notifications of continuous message of this file updated here - this is an acceptable answer.

• Host file

  I tried to load Mcafee but could not.  I participated in a live session with them and they diganosed my probem as: "the host file in my computer that is associated with the operating system is damaged."  They sent me to microsoft to fix it.  Help - thanks

  I tried to load Mcafee but could not.  I participated in a live session with them and they diganosed my probem as: "the host file in my computer that is associated with the operating system is damaged."  They sent me to microsoft to fix it.  Help - thanks

  Consider yourself lucky.  I ditch McAfee and use one of the following antivirus applications:
  Microsoft Security Essentials (free)
  Eset Nod32 Antivirus 4 (US$ 40 for 1 year)
  Avira Antivirus Personal (free)

  Regarding the file "hosts":

  It is located in C:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc.  Before working with the hosts file, you must configure Windows Explorer to display file extensions, or you will probably work on the wrong file.  In a Windows Explorer window, tool > Folder Options > view.  Look for the entry "Hide extensions of file type to know" and make sure it is not checked.  OK your way out.

  There may well be several files in the C:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc directory.  The file of the device is armed - without file extension.  There is usually also a hosts.sam file - that is an example of hosts file.

  The default hosts file is just a copy of the hosts.sam file without the file extension.  If you do not have a file hosts.sam, open a new file in Notepad and copy and paste everything between the * (do not copy the *)

  *********************************************************************
  # Copyright (c) 1993-1999 Microsoft Corp.
  #
  # This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
  #
  # This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
  # entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address must
  # be placed in the first column, followed by the corresponding host name.
  # The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
  space #.
  #
  # In addition, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
  # lines or following the name of the machine indicated by a symbol "#".
  #
  # For example:
  #
  # 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
  # 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host

  127.0.0.1 localhost

  ****************************************************************************************
  When you save the file in Notepad, be sure to set the file type to "All files" or a txt extension will be added.  After you saved, check to be sure there is no extension.

  Hosts files can be a useful tool to help cope with malware.  For this reason, several files from hosts to offer Web sites that were created to facilitate the blocking of the known parasites.  If you want to go this route, see http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm please read the entire page, and if you do not use the mvps hosts file, be sure to read the "Editor's note" about the subject large hosts files to halfway to the bottom of the page.

• Pavilion a6430F desktop: cannot display this page

  Read a recent post on "Apps does not connect to internet" and felt that I had a similar problem.

  I am running Win7, SP1, 64-bit, on a desktop Pavilion a6430F with 6 GB of RAM on an AMD Phenom triple core processor.  I frequently get "cannot display this page" on this machine on some pages.

  This does not work on my laptop HP DV2620 old Win7 32bits or my most recent HP Slimline 400 Win8.1 64 bit machines running.

  Here's a url for example that works on units of the latter, but not on the first.  http://www.Samsung.com/us/support/FAQ/FAQ00059191/81528/

  There is a link to live chat on this page: https://sales.liveperson.net/hc/49151746/

  When I click on this link I get the "this page cannot be displayed" on the unity of 6430.

  Is happening in other places, like the links recommended on research such as Ask or Google pages, albums, but this one lately not on the search page.

  Accordingly, I find only a specific computer that deliver the 6430.  Check a number of parameters against the DV2620 and apart from differences of 64/32 bit, all the settings in the following areas is the same: the settings of the firewall, internet options in the settings of compatibility, SmartScreen and IE11, withdraws. However this particular page is properly on the 2620.

  I turned all add-ons, on and outside (separately or in the past), reinstalled Java to the latest version, also added the url to trusted sites, and remove and reinstall IE 11 completely (remove personal settings) with the feature of Control Panel...  Don't know what else to try.

  There is no unusual apps or software installed. And it has worked before. Now I don't know if a fix IE 11 Microsoft may have changed something?

  Anyone who might have ideas, I'd be happy to exercise this operating system little more.

  Thanks for your time and your thoughts!

  Well, is there more to this story than meets the eye... my eyes anyway.  For those of you who like to do things to protect your computers, you can install an application called HOSTS BLOCK of MVPS.ORG.  Beautiful small DNS utility of blocking that keep a little of the junk in the side frames to display in web pages.  However, most of the reputable places have found ways to circumvent the blocking of the HOSTS file, so I don't see a lot of value for those who are really paying attention to their web browsing.

  BLOCK HOSTS. I overlooked the possibilities this would be the source of the problem. But, as I reset the HOSTS file in windows > system32 > drivers > etc fashionable original and empty the cache DNS (run ipconfig/flushdns) the universe turned right upward and the error message no longer appears.

  Also, you need to return the DNS services on 'automatic' If you choose to remove the MVPS HOSTS file.

  It's easy to do in the command run by typing "services.msc" (without quotes) click OK at the prompt and get off at "DNS Client".  Right click and select 'Properties' then click on the drop down arrow for "Startup type" and choose "automatic". Apply or OK, and then restart the computer.  Pretty easy.

  In any case, BH thank you for your help.  After I thought about it, it was bit of a duh, but I guess it was easily overlooked.

  BTW - if you want to continue to use the blocker HOST MVPS, there is a utility on the MVPs.org site called HOSTMAN who allows to turn the blocker host MVPS and disable. I have not installed or tried this, so I can't vouch for it. Maybe someone else can do?

  All this to say, everything seems to be in order.  Hope this helps someone else.

  Good day and Merry Christmas - happy holidays

• Problem using Mr Fixit

  I used Mr Fixit from Microsoft to reset my default hosts file and now there is no Hosts file in C:/windows/drivers/etc/my browsers work. What should I do?

  Thanks PML. This discussion is useful. The Hosts file FAQ is not very useful.

  If the hosts on 135kb files are bad, why the MVP recommend a 608 kb?

  The hosts file, kidnapped by Mr Fixit has been 407KO. Wouldn't that one be better than the biggest MVPS hosts file?

  How can I reverse the changes made by Mr Fixit from Microsoft Support? I tried the system restore, but it did not work. Is there anyway that I can use the hosts.old file?

  Also shouldn't you or someone tell Microsoft that is hosts by default file reset program is defective and remove the hosts file?

  Finally, your best judgment. I would be better to use the huge MVPS hosts file? What features I'll lose by disabling services.msc, as recommended?

  Additional questions. What is the hosts.*.backup? (* indicates an alphanumeric string.) What was the purpose of the 86 hosts.*.backup files that I deleted? A BAK file is similar to a backup file? What is the difference? Can I use the backup file to re-create the hosts file?

  I do not use a file hosts at all, so I can't answer from personal experience.  However, it is not the size of the hosts file that is important, it is what is in it.  Point entries in any "anti-malware" hosts file (there may be other reasons to use a hosts file, but anti-malware is most common for individuals) is to deal with HTML code hidden on a web page which redirects the web browser to an unwanted site.

  Suppose that someone has written a webpage so that when get you there, it tells your browser to www.stealmyidentity.com.  If someone ' one - as the people who compiled the MVPS hosts file - aware of this site and puts an entry in hosts like this
  127.0.0.1 www.stealmyidentity.com
  When the HTML code is executed, your browser will then the IP address 127.0.0.1 instead of the IP address of the wrong site.  127.0.0.1 is the IP address of 'closure' of your computer (which is why the logo at the top of web page MVPS hosts said "There is no place like 127.0.0.1").

  Thus, you can't compare your old hosts file 407KO with the hosts of MVP 608 kb file and say that the first one was "better".  No, it's probably not best, because it lists less "bad" sites.

  I know not the details of why a leader hosts more than 135 k could slow things down, but given that 407KO is so much greater than 135 k, I guess that from a performance point of view, 407 kb is not much better than 608KO either.  And in any case, MVP web page gives you a procedure to deal with this potential to slow down.  And you're not disable services.msc - you use services.msc to disable the DNS Client service.  Note also that the definition of a service on 'manual' is not the same as 'off '.  Defining a service to "Manual" just will not start the service until something he needs.

  I suggest to use the MVPS hosts file and set the DNS Client service on 'manual' as suggested.  If this is a problem, you can just go back to the default hosts file and set the Client DNS service on 'automatic', which is the default value.

  You seem to be correct only the Microsoft FixIt routine (in the future, remember to identify the Knowledge Base article that includes the FixIt you speak because Microsoft has a lot of different routines "FixIt") does not quite what it says it will do.  What routine FixIt seems to do is rename the file hosts in hosts.old.  This brings the system to what I recall is the State of the default system - no hosts file at all.  If you want then the hosts 'default' file, you copy the example of hosts (hosts.sam) file to a new file named simply hosts (with no file extension).

  In this case, a file *.backup or master is just the previous hosts.  It seems as if you were using a service that regularly gave you a new hosts file.  Rather than simply replacing your existing with a new hosts file, this service renamed your current file and then created a new.  There is no good reason to keep 86 versions old what whatsoever.

  To "recreate" the hosts.old hosts, hosts.bak file host.backup or hosts.backup75 file, just rename to remove the file extension.  You can watch one of these files in the notebook, but because the file extension is not txt, when you double-click a master file or use 'open with', you will get the dialog box asking you to select the program to open the file in the list.  Simply choose the notebook and're you good to go.

• Damaged file host

  Adobe tell me that my PC has a corrupted file. Is someone can you please tell me how to get this fixed, thanks

  Hello

  See this article:

  How can I reset the default Hosts file? Windows 7, 10 and 8/8.1 is essentially the same.
  https://support.Microsoft.com/en-us/KB/972034

  I hope this helps.
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP<- profile="" -="" windows="" and="" devices="" for="" it :="" bicycle="" -="" mark="" twain="" said="" it="">

• Error of USB host - peripheral controller is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device. (Code 31)

  Original title - USB - IF xHCI USB Host Controller

  This device does not work properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device. (Code 31)

  I have a permanent error on my computer and when I run the troubleshooter I get the above message.  It says Windows cannot load the driver.

  Hello

  USB devices remove all you can - restart the computer - is still there, the error? If it isn't
  It is related to one of the add-in devices that you removed. If she is still there, then, the question is
  either a device internal who can not remove or physically with the USB bus itself.
  If it was not there, add devices at a time until it is displayed - keep in mind that it is
  possible that there are two (or more) devices in conflict over the issue. Once you
  identified the check of the aircraft with the help of the manufacturer.

  1. to find the control panel - device - device - right-click on it - uninstall - Manager then
  Restart the computer to see if it clears.

  2. same place - double click on the device - driver tab - driver update - to see if that helps.

  3. check with the support of system manufacturer (manufacturer of motherboard for customized systems), their
  online documentation and drivers, diagnostics and ask questions in their forums on all known
  questions. Update the Bios and chipset or other USB drivers.

  =====================================

  If necessary, we will use these additional troubleshooting methods:

  How to fix Code 31 errors
  http://pcsupport.about.com/od/findbyerrormessage/a/code-31-error.htm

  I hope this helps.

  Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP<- profile="" -="" windows="" expert="" -="" consumer="" :="" bicycle=""><- mark="" twain="" said="" it="">

• The host 'SMTP' could not be found. Please check that you have entered the server name correctly. _ subject 'Report issue', account: 'POP3', server: 'SMTP', Protocol: SMTP, Port: 25, secure (SSL): no, Socket error: 11001, error number: 0x800CCC0D

  The host 'SMTP' could not be found. Please check that you have entered the server name correctly.
  'Report issue', account: 'POP3', server: 'SMTP', Protocol: SMTP, Port: 25, secure (SSL): no, Socket error: 11001, error number: 0x800CCC0D.
  I'm answering an ad on craigslist and Windows Live continues to appear, but will not send my email I can be reached at * address email is removed from the privacy * or 614-499-1541.
  Thank you
  Stephen lawless

  Your post has nothing to do with Windows Update.

  You're not even close to have properly configured your e-mail account in Windows Live Mail.

  You will find support for Win7 e-mail Clients in this forum: http://social.answers.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7network/threads

  You will find support for Windows Live Mail in this public newsgroup:
  http://www.Microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/list/en-us/default.aspx?DG=Microsoft.public.Windows.live.mail.desktop

  Through your News Reader:
  News://msnews.Microsoft.com/Microsoft.public.Windows.live.mail.desktop

  ~ Robear Dyer (PA Bear) ~ MS MVP (that is to say, mail, security, Windows & Update Services) since 2002 ~ WARNING: MS MVPs represent or work for Microsoft

• Windows script host

  Whenever I start my computer I get the following message:

  Windows Script Host
  Script: C:\Data.Msi\alg.vbe
  Line: 94
  Error: The system cannot find the specified file
  Code: 80070002
  Source: Null

  It started a week ago when my Norton trial period ended and I bought the program.  How can I fix it?

  Contact the Support Symantec (Norton). The question seems to have nothing to do with the Windows Update feature anyway. ~ Robear Dyer (PA Bear) ~ MS MVP (that is to say, mail, security, Windows & Update Services) since 2002 ~ WARNING: MS MVPs represent or work for Microsoft

• How to stop a pop up called GENERIC HOST PROCESS for Win32 Services.

  My girlfriend told me to make sure that my computer is Service pack 3 and she told me how to tell by going to START and in RUN type winver. I did it and I don't know

  If it is only a coincidence, but every time I turn on the computer this windo appears

  who says GENERIC HOST PROCESS for Win32 Services. That there is a problem

  How can I stop this?

  @Cookie: I did not reply to your previous post because you not answered all my questions. That being said...

  You see the effects of a hijackware infection.

  Microsoft PCSafety provides users at home (only) with free assistance in dealing with infections by malicious software such as viruses, adware and spyware (including unwanted software).
  https://support.Microsoft.com/OAS/default.aspx?&PRID=7552&St=1

  Also available via the homepage of Support of consumer safety: https://consumersecuritysupport.microsoft.com/

  Otherwise...

  1. see if you can download/run the MSRT tool manually: http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

  NB: Run the FULL scan, not analysis FAST!  You may need to download the MSRT on an uninfected machine and then transfer the MRT. EXE to the infected machine and rename it to SCAN. EXE before running it.

  2A. WinXP-online Windows Live Safety Center scanner 'Protection' (only!) in Mode safe mode with networking, if necessary:http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/howsafe.htm

  2B. Vista or Win7-online this scanner instead: http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/center/whatsnew.htm

  3. now post the logs required in a forum appropriate for support by an expert in the field. DON'T SKIP THIS STEP!

  I can recommend the assistance of experts available in these forums: http://spywarehammer.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?board=10.0, http://www.spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5, http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cleanup, http://www.bluetack.co.uk/forums/index.phpand http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30

  If these procedures look too complex - and there is no shame in admitting this isn't your cup of tea - take the machine to a local, good reputation and stand-alone computer (that is, not BigBoxStoreUSA or Geek Squad) repair facility.

  ~ Robear Dyer (PA Bear) ~ MS MVP (that is to say, mail, security, Windows & Update Services) since 2002 ~ WARNING: MS MVPs represent or work for Microsoft

• A Dell laptop; After a host of updates for my XP Professional, I can't locate a folder

  After a host of updates for my XP Professional, I can't locate a folder with most of my files and photos. This folder was sitting on the desk. How to find or restore my folder?

  If it was a shortcut to the folder, simply recreate it.

  If the folder itself, it's probably under
  C:\Documents and Settings\ * \Desktop

  TaurArian [MVP] 2005-2010 - Update Services

• Corrected the host file corrupted, now showing 2 host files in XP

  I have a corrupt host file and 2 host files have now for some reason any. What to do to fix this?

  After explaining all this several times, here are some notes:

  The hosts file is a read-only file, hidden system.  It is just a text file that you can manipulate with WordPad, Notepad or any text editor.  Before you modify the hosts file, make a copy of the current in case you need to restore the original.

  The hosts file is (or should be) a file read-only, which means that if change you it, you will not be able to save the changes until you remove the read only attribute of the file.

  You may be able to create a new one or reset your hosts with Microsoft Help file:

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/972034 (this does work as expected the last time I tried).

  If you use the Fix It from Microsoft, you will have no hosts file when you're done (which is not necessarily a bad thing) so you can just read and follow the instructions to find out how to fix it yourself.

  Some third-party software analysis tools (like Spybot) may add entries to the hosts file on purpose to block your browser from loading WWW websites completely or block ads from certain sites WWW.  They claim to have a list of sites that most of the people want to block and insert them into your file hosts for you.  You can always delete the entries in the hosts file manually if you wish.

  Another good option to block ads sites is to use Firefox with the Adblock Plus extension (it is updated regularly with new sites).  If you use that combination, you don't have to worry about your hosts file and these two together really do a good job.

  Malware can also add entries in the host file to redirect the browser to another site than the one you really want to visit WWW.

  For example, if you try to browse to www.google.com, you can find yourself on a WWW site that is inappropriate or simply an advertisement for a product you never heard and do not want.  Your browser will always be redirected away from www.google.com until correct you the hosts file.

  The malware can also modify your hosts file to block your browser to go to Web sites where you might find a solution for how to remove the malicious software.  The malware sometimes knows what you're going to try to find and remove, so it will prevent you to do so.

  If your hosts file has been manipulated by malware, edit the hosts file does not remove the malware.  You will still need to scan your system with software tools to make sure that the malware has entirely disappeared.

  Malware analysis tools can also remove the malicious software and leave the bad entries in the hosts file.  Analytical tools cannot tell if the entries in the file hosts were made on purpose or by malware you still may need to edit the file hosts manually in case of redirection of the browser once the malware has been removed.

  Some analytical tools will report changes to the hosts as a suspect file and allow you to review the changes and allow you to decide whether the changes are appropriate, and to take action.

  Sometimes, analytical tools cannot tell if the entries in the hosts file have been put there by malicious software or you put there on purpose so cannot do not report any problems with the hosts file.  This does not mean that the hosts file has not been adjusted by malicious software.

  A hosts file is not required for your browser to operate.  If you suspect a problem with the hosts file, you can rename the hosts file and test your browsing without it.

  Always reboot your system and the navigation test after making changes to the hosts file.

  To manipulate the hosts file, you need to make hidden files not hidden and remove the attribute only read the hosts file.

  In Explorer, navigate to the following folder (assuming that Windows is installed on your C drive):

  c:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc

  Click on tools. Of files, display options.  In advanced settings, enable (check) the box option for:

  Display the hidden files and folders

  Click OK.

  The hosts file has also no extension (for example, .exe or .doc) and it may be useful to also see the file extensions for all files in
  the folder.  While you adjust the display of folder options, bring up the file extensions.

  Click on tools, Options, view.  In advanced settings, clear (uncheck) the box:

  Hide extensions of known file types

  Click OK.

  Now the hosts file must be visible and you can also see the file extensions.

  Make a copy of the current hosts file and name the copy something he can remember so that you can find it later and cancel
  any change if the changes don't work or things get worse.

  The host file is usually a single reading, so to change it, you must remove the read-only attribute:

  Make a right-click the hosts file, properties, uncheck the box that says:

  Read-only

  Click OK.

  Now you can edit the hosts file with a text editor (Notepad, Wordpad).  Be sure to save the hosts file after any changes.

  You will need to decide what is in your hosts file.  The default hosts file has only one entry (and a lot of comments) so if you think that the hosts file are the part of your question, you can remove all but the default entry and save the file.

  Always reboot your system and the navigation test after making changes to the hosts file.

  You should make hosts read-only folder again when you are finished making changes.  Obviously some programs or malware do not pay attention to the attributes of a file read-only, but it is advisable for the host file to be unalterable.

  If you want to, reverse explore changes to hide system files and extensions of known file types.

  If you think your hosts file is irretrievably, replace the contents with the default values of Windows.

  The default for Windows XP hosts file looks like this:

  # Copyright (c) 1993-1999 Microsoft Corp.
  #
  # This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
  #
  # This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
  # entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address must
  # be placed in the first column, followed by the corresponding host name.
  # The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
  space #.
  #
  # In addition, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
  # lines or following the name of the machine indicated by a symbol "#".
  #
  # For example:
  #
  # 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
  # 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host

  127.0.0.1 localhost

  There are places on the Internet to download information to your hosts file which is based on what other people think your hosts file must block or allow for your Internet browsing.  Sometimes that works very well, but you now need to know more on the manipulation of the hosts file now so that you can decide what's best for your environment.

  Here's some additional reading on how to manipulate your hosts file:

  http://www.MVPs.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

  This is a user-friendly tool with a graphical interface (GUI) to help you work on your hosts file:

  http://www.Funkytoad.com/index.php?option=com_content&ID=13

• Hijacked hosts file

  This system had a fake antivirus program. I used the restoration of the system to 01/03/11. However, Hijackthis cannot delete following text was found on a Windows XP system located in c:\WINDOWS\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

  # Copyright (c) 1993-1999 Microsoft Corp.
  #
  # This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
  #
  # This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
  # entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address must
  # be placed in the first column, followed by the corresponding host name.
  # The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
  space #.
  #
  # In addition, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
  # lines or following the name of the machine indicated by a symbol "#".
  #
  # For example:
  #
  # 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
  # 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host

  127.0.0.1 localhost
  74.50.127.5 www.google.com
  74.50.127.5 www.google.com.au
  74.50.127.5 www.google.be
  74.50.127.5 www.google.com.br
  74.50.127.5 www.google.ca
  74.50.127.5 www.google.ch
  74.50.127.5 www.google.de
  74.50.127.5 www.google.dk
  74.50.127.5 www.Google.com
  74.50.127.5 www.google.ie
  74.50.127.5 www.google.it
  74.50.127.5 www.google.co.jp
  74.50.127.5 www.google.nl
  74.50.127.5 www.google.no
  74.50.127.5 www.google.co.nz
  74.50.127.5 www.google.pl
  74.50.127.5 www.google.se
  74.50.127.5 www.google.co.uk
  74.50.127.5 www.google.co.za
  74.50.127.5 www.bing.com
  74.50.127.5 search.yahoo.com
  74.50.127.5 uk.search.yahoo.com
  74.50.127.5 ca.search.yahoo.com
  74.50.127.5 de.search.yahoo.com
  74.50.127.5 fr.search.yahoo.com
  74.50.127.5 au.search.yahoo.com
  74.50.127.5 www.google-analytics.com

  Any help to eliminate this problem will be greatly appreciated.

  The hosts file is a read-only file, hidden system.  It is just a text file that you can manipulate with WordPad, Notepad or any text editor.  Before you modify the hosts file, make a copy of the current in case you need to restore the original.

  You may be able to create a new one or reset your hosts with Microsoft Help file:

  http://support.Microsoft.com/kb/972034 (this does work as expected the last time I tried).

  If you use the Fix It from Microsoft, you will have no hosts file when you're done (which is not necessarily a bad thing) so you can just read and follow the instructions to find out how to fix it yourself.

  Some third-party software analysis tools (like Spybot) may add entries to the hosts file on purpose to block your browser from loading WWW websites completely or block ads from certain sites WWW.  They claim to have a list of sites that most of the people want to block and insert them into your file hosts for you.  You can always delete the entries in the hosts file manually if you wish.

  Malware can also add entries in the host file to redirect the browser to another site than the one you really want to visit WWW.

  For example, if you try to browse to www.google.com, you can find yourself on a WWW site that is inappropriate or simply an advertisement for a product you never heard and do not want.  Your browser will always be redirected away from www.google.com until correct you the hosts file.

  The malware can also modify your hosts file to block your browser to go to Web sites where you might find a solution for how to remove the malicious software.  The malware sometimes knows what you're going to try to find and remove, so it will prevent you to do so.

  If your hosts file has been manipulated by malware, edit the hosts file does not remove the malware.  You will still need to scan your system with software tools to make sure that the malware has entirely disappeared.

  Malware analysis tools can also remove the malicious software and leave the bad entries in the hosts file.  Analytical tools cannot tell if the entries in the file hosts were made on purpose or by malware you still may need to edit the file hosts manually in case of redirection of the browser once the malware has been removed.

  Some analytical tools will report changes to the hosts as a suspect file and allow you to review the changes and allow you to decide whether the changes are appropriate, and to take action.

  Sometimes, analytical tools cannot tell if the entries in the hosts file have been put there by malicious software or you put there on purpose so cannot do not report any problems with the hosts file.  This does not mean that the hosts file has not been adjusted by malicious software.

  A hosts file is not required for your browser to operate.  If you suspect a problem with the hosts file, you can rename the hosts file and test your browsing without it.

  Always reboot your system and the navigation test after making changes to the hosts file.

  To manipulate the hosts file, you need to make hidden files not hidden and remove the attribute only read the hosts file.

  In Explorer, navigate to the following folder (assuming that Windows is installed on your C drive):

  c:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc

  Click on tools. Of files, display options.  In advanced settings, enable (check) the box option for:

  Display the hidden files and folders

  Click OK.

  Hosts file has no extension, but some system files have extensions, and it may be useful to also see the file extensions for all files.  While you adjust the display of folder options, bring up the file extensions.

  Click on tools, Options, view.  In advanced settings, check (tick) in the box:

  Hide extensions of known file types

  Click OK.

  Now the hosts file must be visible.

  Make a copy of the current hosts file and name the copy something he can remember so that you can find it later and undo the changes if the changes do not work, or worse still, things become.

  The host file is usually a single reading, so to change it, you must remove the read-only attribute:

  Make a right-click the hosts file, properties, uncheck the box that says:

  Read-only

  Click OK.

  Now you can edit the file hosts with a text editor.  Be sure to save the hosts file after any changes.

  You will need to decide what is in your hosts file.  The default hosts file has only one entry (and a lot of comments) so if you think that the hosts file are the part of your question, you can remove all but the default entry and save the file.

  Always reboot your system and the navigation test after making changes to the hosts file.

  You should make hosts read-only folder again when you are finished making changes.  Of course some programs or malware do not pay attention to the attributes of a file read-only, but it is advisable to
  the hosts of the file to be read-only.

  If you want to, reverse explore changes to hide system files and extensions of known file types.

  If you think your hosts file is irretrievably, replace the contents with the default values of Windows.

  The default for Windows XP hosts file looks like this:

  # Copyright (c) 1993-1999 Microsoft Corp.
  #
  # This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
  #
  # This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
  # entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address must
  # be placed in the first column, followed by the corresponding host name.
  # The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
  space #.
  #
  # In addition, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
  # lines or following the name of the machine indicated by a symbol "#".
  #
  # For example:
  #
  # 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
  # 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host

  127.0.0.1 localhost

  There are places on the Internet to download information to your hosts file which is based on what other people think your hosts file must block or allow for your Internet browsing.  Sometimes that works very well, but you must now find out more about the manipulation of the hosts file so that you can decide what's best for your environment.

  Here's some additional reading on how to manipulate your hosts file:

  http://www.MVPs.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

  This is a user-friendly tool with a graphical interface (GUI) to help you work on your hosts file:

  http://www.Funkytoad.com/index.php?option=com_content&ID=13

• I have a program on my computer called Belarc Advisor and I noticed since he put it on your programs and software there is no hosted Virtual Machine.

  I have a program on my computer called Belarc Advisor and I noticed since he put it on your programs and software there is no hosted Virtual Machine. I think that's what it shows but what exactly does that mean?

  Hello

  Don't worry about this as you would know if you need a Virtual Machine (and few people use one).

  Virtual machine
  http://en.Wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_machine

  I hope this helps.

  Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP<- profile="" -="" windows="" expert="" -="" consumer="" :="" bicycle=""><- mark="" twain="" said="" it="">

• My outlook express does not work. Whenever I try to send an e-mail, it gives me this answer: "windows" host could not be found.

  Outlook Express problems

  My outlook express does not work.  Whenever I try to send an e-mail, it gives me this reply:

  The "windows" host is not found. Please check that you have entered the server name correctly. Account: 'windows', server: 'windows', Protocol: SMTP, Port: 25, secure (SSL): no, Socket error: 11001, error number: 0x800CCC0D.

  I don't know what that means or how to change it.  If anyone knows how to explain how to solve this problem, I would be very happy comments. Thank you!

  Who is your mail server? Usually, what is after the @ in your address. Windows is not a host name, account or server.

  Setting up email in Outlook Express servers:
  http://www.Microsoft.com/Windows/IE/community/columns/mailserver.mspx

  Bruce Hagen
  MS - MVP October 1, 2004 ~ September 30, 2010
  Imperial Beach, CA