I don't know much about anything, especially Host File. Had the opportunity to download a Host File from some Forum. Don't remember what or where Since then I've had trouble connecting to some pages, especially Microsoft. I realize it is blocking a lot of advertising and that is good.

Wish now I had not done it. Is there a way to go back to what it had before download the MVP Host Files.

If I'm not clear, see the attached.

You can undo this by going to your C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\ and editing hosts.

If you're on Windows Vista, use this:

# Copyright (c) 1993-2009 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


# localhost name resolution is handled within DNS itself.

	127.0.0.1       localhost

	::1             localhost

On Windows 7:

# Copyright (c) 1993-2009 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


# localhost name resolution is handled within DNS itself.

#	127.0.0.1       localhost

#	::1             localhost

If you use Firefox I would highly recommend using Adblock Plus paired with Easylist. Not sure if there's an adblocker for Internet Explorer, though I will look into it.

You may also want to read my article about Blocking Malware and Advertisements Safely.

Thank you for the repy. I should have mentioned that I use Vista. Just a feature of being old!

In addition I use Firefox.

You'll want to use the top hosts file then. I posted both in case of someone searching for help recovering their hosts file too.

For Firefox, definitely install Adblock Plus and use the Easylist.

In the Search box of the Start menu, enter this code:

notepad C:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

That will open the hosts file in a Notepad for you to restore.

You'll want to use the top hosts file then. I posted both in case of someone searching for help recovering their hosts file too.

For Firefox, definitely install Adblock Plus and use the Easylist.

In the Search box of the Start menu, enter this code:

notepad C:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

That will open the hosts file in a Notepad for you to restore.

Don't know how to thank you enough. What a big help you have been with this. Even at 76 years young I've been able to follow your instructions. I did download and install Adblock Plus and the EasyList.

Again, thank you.

Mudd

Not a problem, I'm always glad to help.

By the way, I'm looking into an adblocker for you to use on Internet Explorer. Just awaiting feedback on one now. :D

Not a problem, I'm always glad to help.

By the way, I'm looking into an adblocker for you to use on Internet Explorer. Just awaiting feedback on one now.

Don't spend your time on this. I use Firefox most of the time. I have IE 8 and it's OK. Just more familiar with Firefox.

Mudd