127.0.0.1 That is your computer, the web sites to the right are known bad sites with malware on them. so if you tried to go to them you would be redirected to 127.0.0.1 and that is a good thing---Very Good to have a Host file like this, mine is huge..

Thank you, thank you. That relieves me a lot.

I dont like large Hosts files with tons of needless blocks. Takes the snap out of web page loads.

In most cases a large HOSTS file (over 135 kb) tends to slow down the machine. This only occurs in W2000/XP/Vista. Windows 98 and ME are not affected.

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 the drop-down arrow for "Startup type"
Select: Manual, or Disabled (recommended) click Apply/Ok and restart

What does this do? I tried it and what problems might it cause?

Thanks,

Jane

My HOST file is 564kb.
It doesn't seem to slow me down.
Windows XP home edition.

Pooh Bear

Forgot to mention,
seems that if the HOST file slowed you down
that would defeat the original purpose of the HOST file

The purpose of the HOST file was to store frequently used
IP addresses. Instead of calling out to a DNS service your
computer would check the list first. This was to speed up
the process since it takes longer to contact the DNS service.

I suppose that it could be said that since it was only meant
to keep track of a small number of frequently used addresses
that for large HOST files it mite slow a computer down.
But I have not experienced a slow down.

Pooh Bear

Pooh, I think the host file is to block those listed.

I rarely go to my Host file, my blocked stuff is through my safety programs.

Computer has to scan that hosts for every link you click before it actually goes to say this webpage. Rather than simply look fast at hosts and move to cached dns.

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 machine. Another feature of the HOSTS file is its ability to block other applications from connecting to the Internet, providing the entry exists. It's just an extra layer of protection if you want it...

Here is a link that might be useful: Host file information

I still don't understand. Do we leave this on automatic or disabled? Is this a good thing or bad.

Sorry this stuff just doesn't make sense to me.

Jane

The HOST file was originally a type of address book for websites.
And the DNS service was a type of directory assistance.
You could place frequently used websites into the HOST file
and your computer would then remember the address. If it
didn't know the address it would then send a request to a
Domain Name Server and get the address.
The address I am referring to is the IP address.
When you type www.google.com into the address bar of a web
browser and hit enter your computer will first check the HOST
file for the IP address if not found it will connect to a DNS
service and get the address that way (64.233.187.99).
Or you could just remember the IP address yourself and enter
it in your browser when you want to go to the Google website.
http://64.233.187.99
But it's a lot easier to remember www.google.com than 64.233.187.99

Using the HOST file and loop back address of 127.0.0.1 to
block adservers and other sites is a secondary function.

Pooh Bear

I use hosts for local network. currently;
127.0.0.1 localhost
192.168.0.12 mikesdesk
192.168.0.2 ROUTER
192.168.0.254 cpx
192.168.0.21 garbage
192.168.0.22 CAR
192.168.0.27 SHED

then I can type in where I want to connect to because my fingers dont remember where the number keys are. They seem to know where the alphabet keys are much better.

Cool idea. I never thought of that.

I'm wondering if I can make my browser display an image
in place of an ad by using the HOST file.
Such as 127.0.0.1/image.jpg www.adserver.com
Wonder if that would work.

Pooh Bear

Would like answer for Jane's question. I am wondering the same thing. Thanks, Dora Lou

"I still don't understand. Do we leave this on automatic or disabled? Is this a good thing or bad.

Sorry this stuff just doesn't make sense to me.

Jane"

Disabled (recommended) If you have a large host file and you think it is slowing down the opening of web pages. There is a link I left that explains the host file. You can leave it on automatic does not matter, I disable it because my Host file is huge I choose to have that way--It resolves a symptom--Really no right or wrong matter of choice, experiment.

I put it on manual. Now, how do I find out how big it is?

Jane

Please note this post only pertains to machines with Windows XP installed.

Access is prevented to the websites listed in your HOSTS file, so if you're irritated by a particular pop-up, for example, you could simply add the website itÂs coming from to your HOSTS file.

The first step in editing your HOSTS file is to find it.

My Computer > C: (or whatever drive Windows is on) > WINDOWS > system32 > drivers > etc > hosts

Note: If you aren't sure where My Computer is or you just want to use a keyboard shortcut to open it, you can hold down the Windows key (which looks like this) on your keyboard while you press the "E" key.

Right-click on the HOSTS file, and click Open. A window will appear asking what to open it with; find Notepad, select it, and click OK.

If you've never edited your HOSTS file before, this is what it should look like:

# 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 should
# 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.
# # Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted 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

You'll notice all entries begin with "127.0.0.1"; all entries MUST begin with this. If a website is preceded by "127.0.0.1", this means the website cannot load and is blocked. The first entry in the HOSTS file is "127.0.0.1 localhost". Your HOSTS file MUST begin with that entry.

To add websites to your HOSTS file (to block them), use this as a guideline:

Code:
127.0.0.1 www.blockthiswebsite.comAfter you've edited your HOSTS file, save the changes made (File > Save).

YouÂre done!

Wow, you guys are really helpful. Thanks for all the info, (even though I still don't completely understand it all). zep516, I'll check out that site you posted
Thanks

Well first of all I didn't write all that it is copy & pasted from another site that explains it a whole lot better then I could. Everything about xp is on GOOGLE--so start googling,things like "xp host file" "xp system restore" "xp errors" next time you get any error enter it in Google. And invent your own things to add most of the time you can find the information you need.

I checked my Host file and it is 1kb, set to automatic...

Good or bad?