Do you really need a HOSTS file?

[poorichyrich]

Just installed the 4.1 version of SpywareBlaster on my backup PC, and did the usual actions, made a new backup, checked for updates, etc and all was well until I went to secure my HOSTS file --
got a real shock
SpywareBlaster said there was NO Hosts file to secure?

I checked, and its not encrypted already, not hidden, etc.

The thing is that this PC,
an ACER9897TG running Win98SE and IE6/OE6 Office 97/Outlook98 and connecting via dialup to ATT WorldNet ISP using a 3COM/USR external modem/33.6 Sportster VI Fax modem with Personal voice mail; the cpu is an intel overdrive 120MHz PI; 64MB RAM; 2 internal HDD and an internal SCSI CD-ROM as well as 3 external scsi HDD (iomega jaz and zip plus 100 and an EZ-Flyer) HP printer and scanner
connects quicker and faster than any other pc - wish all dialup was this great!

So do I need a Hosts file?

And if I do, what happened to my original Hosts file, and how do I replace it?

Thanks, poorichyrich

[siljaline]

Up to you, please see:>
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hostsfaq.htm
http://msmvps.com/blogs/hostsnews/default.aspx

[DougCuk]

The original HOSTS file on most version of windows is essentially blank - it performs no function. It includes only one line:

127.0.0.1 localhost

This line is only functional if you start adding extra lines that use the "localhost" IP address to block access to web addresses.

Funtional HOSTS files with active entries are created either by security program such as Spybot, downloaded from specialist websites, or edited manually by geeks.