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What it does ...
The
Hosts file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names.
This file is loaded into memory (cache) at startup, then Windows checks the
Hosts file before it queries any DNS servers, which enables it to
override addresses in the DNS. This prevents access to the listed
sites by redirecting any connection attempts back to the local
(your) machine. Another feature of the HOSTS file is its ability to block
other applications from connecting to the Internet, providing the
entry exists.
You can use a HOSTS file to block ads, banners,
3rd party Cookies,
3rd party page counters, web bugs,
and even most
hijackers.
This is accomplished by blocking the connection(s)
that supplies these little gems.
Example - the following entry 127.0.0.1
ad.doubleclick.net blocks all files supplied by that
DoubleClick
Server to the web page you are viewing. This also prevents the
server from tracking your movements. Why? ... because in certain cases "Ad
Servers" like Doubleclick (and many others) will try silently to
open a separate connection on the
webpage you are viewing, record your movements then yes ... follow
you to additional sites you may visit.
In many cases using a well designed HOSTS file can speed the loading of web pages by not having
to wait for these ads, annoying banners,
hit counters, etc. to load. This
also helps to protect your Privacy and Security by blocking sites that
may track
your viewing habits, also known as "click-thru tracking"
or
Data Miners.
Simply using a HOSTS file is not a cure-all against all the
dangers on the Internet, but it does provide another
very effective "Layer of Protection".
For Windows XP SP2 users you should see a Security Center prompt about
allowing this connection. [screenshot]
Simply click No and continue. Yes the prompts can be annoying
but at least you'll know, however you should not see these
prompts if these entries are included in the HOSTS file.
Note: this prompt only occurs if (example) *.doubleclick.net is included in the "Restricted Zone".
More Examples
AdTech |
BridgeTrack |
Honesty |
Mgnetwork |
ValueClick |
Google AdSense |
Atdmt |
Atdmt
Now here is a 3rd party ad server opening a connection to another
3rd party ad server - Ad-Flow
More 3rd parties opening other 3rd parties:
Overture |
Overture |
Directtrack |
Directtrack |
RealMedia
Note:
By placing these type sites in the
Restricted Zone
this also cures most "Back
Button" issues.
MVPS HOSTS now includes most
major parasites, hijackers and unwanted Adware/Spyware programs!
Proudly now the
#1 rated HOSTS file on the Internet! -
Google |
MSN |
Yahoo |
AltaVista
Now
regularly featured on the
Kim
Komando Radio Show
The MVPS HOSTS file has been selected by
Pricelessware as "the best of the best in Freeware"
for the 2nd time ...
Editors Note: As time has progressed the focus of this
project has changed from just blocking ads/banners to protecting the
user from the many parasites that now exist on the Internet. It
doesn't serve much purpose if you block the ad banner from
displaying as most other HOSTS files do, but get hijacked by a
parasite from an evil exploit or download contained on
the web site. The object is to surf faster while preserving your
Safety,
Security and Privacy. [more
info]
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To view the HOSTS file in plain
text form. (587 kb) (opens in browser)
Note:
The text version also makes a terrific searchable reference for
determining possible unwanted connections
Download: hosts.zip [right-click
- Select: Save Target As] [Updated August-18-2012]
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This download includes a simple batch file (mvps.bat) that will
rename the existing HOSTS file to HOSTS.MVP then copy the included
updated HOSTS file to the proper location. For more information please see
the
readme.txt included in the download.
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Important!
Windows Vista requires special instructions
see here |
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Important!
Windows 7 requires special instructions
see here |
When you run the (mvps.bat) batch file XP users may
see a prompt, simply click Run and continue. Once updated you
should see
another prompt that the task was completed. Some users may see a
pop-up from certain Security programs about changes to the HOSTS
file. Allow the change ... however if you see this pop-up at any
other time ... investigate.
Download Information: (checksum info is on the HOSTS file
itself not the "hosts.zip")
MD5:
32081DA91B01235DFF235188C11563F4 SHA-1:
D272C4F98C3947F296C5A922415FED8A054A26DC
Manual Install Method - Unzip in a "temp" folder and place in the appropriate installed location:
- If you are having trouble downloading or extracting the HOSTS
file [click
here]
Note: the below locations are for the typical default paths, edit
as needed.
| Windows 7/Vista/XP |
= |
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC |
| Windows 2K |
= |
C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC |
The actual location is defined by the following Registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\DataBasePath
There is no need to turn on, adjust or change any settings with
the exception of the DNS Client service (see below).
Windows automatically looks for the existence of a HOSTS file and if
found, checks the HOSTS file first for entries to the web page you
just requested. The 127.0.0.1 is considered the location of your computer, so
when the entry (example) "ad.doubleclick.net" is requested your
computer thinks 127.0.0.1 is the location of the file. When this file
is not located it skips onto the next file and thus the ad server is
blocked from loading the banner, Cookie, or some unscrupulous
ActiveX, or javascript file.
In case you're wondering ... this all happens in microseconds,
which is much faster than trying to fetch a file from half way around
the world. Another great feature of the HOSTS file is that it is a
two-way file, meaning if some parasite does get into your system
(usually bundled with other products) the culprit can not get out
(call home) as long as the necessary entries exist. This is why it's
important to keep your HOSTS file up to Date.
Editors Note: in most cases a
large HOSTS file (over 135 kb) tends to slow down the machine.
To resolve this issue (manually) open the "Services Editor"
- Start | Run (type) "services.msc" (no quotes)
- Scroll down to "DNS Client", Right-click and
select: Properties - click Stop
- Click the drop-down arrow for "Startup type"
- Select: Manual (recommended) or Disabled click Apply/Ok and restart. [more
info]
When set to Manual you can see that the above "Service" is not needed (after a little
browsing - when set to Manual) by opening the Services Editor again, scroll down to DNS
Client and check the "Status" column. It should be blank, if it was
needed it would show "Started" in that column. There are
several Utilities that can reset the DNS Client for you ... [more info]
Editors Note: The above instructions are intended for a
single (home-user) PC. If your machine is part of a "Domain", check
with your IT Dept. before applying this work-around. This
especially applies to Laptop users who travel or bring their
work machines home. Make sure to reset the Service (if needed) prior to connecting
(reboot required) to your work Domain ...
Important! If you are using
Network Discovery then the DNS Client service is required
and should not be set to either Manual or Disabled.
Possible Workaround for using the MVPS HOSTS file and leaving
the DNS Client service enabled (set to: Automatic)
- If you find after a period of time that your browser seems
sluggish with the DNS Client service enabled you can manually
flush the DNS cache
- Close all browser windows ... open a "Command Prompt" from the Start
Menu > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt
- (type) ipconfig /flushdns (press Enter) Then close the
Command Prompt ...
A better Win7/Vista/XP workaround would be to add two Registry entries
to control the amount of time the DNS cache is saved. (KB318803)
- Flush the existing DNS cache (see above)
- Start > Run (type) regedit
- Navigate to the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dnscache\Parameters
- Click Edit > New > DWORD Value (type) MaxCacheTtl
- Click Edit > New > DWORD Value (type) MaxNegativeCacheTtl
- Next right-click on the MaxCacheTtl entry (right
pane) and select: Modify and change the value to 1
- The MaxNegativeCacheTtl entry should already have a
value of 0 (leave it that way - see
screenshot)
- Close Regedit and reboot ...
- As usual you should always backup your Registry before
editing ... see Regedit Help under "Exporting Registry files"
JBF sends along this Tip: IPCOP running a DHCP server needs the
DNS Client enabled to function.
Reset the DNS Client
with a simple batch file (submitted by: Ronny Ong - 2K/XP
only)
DnsManual.bat (resets the DNS Client
to Manual) [right-click and select: Save Target As]
DnsDisabled.bat (resets the DNS Client
to Disabled) [right-click and select: Save Target As]
To use: double-click on the downloaded file and
reboot that's it ...
For all other
Questions, Issues and Solutions - see:
The HOSTS File FAQ
For detailed Download and Extract Instructions - see:
Download Help
How To Uninstall the MVPS HOSTS file
Related Utilities
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jv16
PowerTools is the ultimate registry cleaner and Windows
tuneup utility suite 
PowerTools Lite 2012 is a freeware utility that allows
you to easily install the MVPS hosts file |
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HostsMan is a
freeware application that lets you manage your Hosts file.
Includes an option to turn off the
unneeded
DNS Client Service.
This also has an option to
update the existing HOSTS file when needed.
Important! - make sure you select: Default action -
Overwrite
Use the Server option to replace the
Action Cancelled message.
Windows Vista users ... once installed right-click on "hm.exe"
and select: Properties
Click the Compatibility tab and select: "Run as Administrator" [screenshot]
This step was resolved in 3.2.71 Beta7. Win7 users
see their documentation for more info.
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Rename the HOSTS file
on the fly ... a simple one click batch file. (Win9x/XP/Vista/Win7) |
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HostsXpert
is a terrific multi-function Hosts File Manager [screenshot]
Note: no install required, it runs from anywhere ...
You will need to turn off the DNS Client service manually
[info here]When updating the HOSTS file make sure to use the Replace
option, rather than Merge
Homer is a LocalHost webserver used to replace the
Action Cancelled message.
Download a custom image for use in Homer.
Simply save (Save Target As) blocked.gif (2 kb) to the "\Homer\Homer\images\"
folder.
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-
WinPatrol
will allow you to lock your HOSTS file and will monitor changes.
- ZoneAlarm Pro and Security Suite users have a "Lock Hosts"
file option.
However this requires special
instructions to edit or update the HOSTS file.
Linux
Users
Although I do not use Linux, I often get requests for "How To" on a
Linux system, so here are a few resources:
Various
Troubleshooting Articles
Thanks to everyone involved for providing the online update notices for the HOSTS
file. These updates are posted to most major
security related sites,
Newsgroups, and mailing lists, blogs etc.
Get
notified of MVPS HOSTS updates.
from http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm |
