Hosts File

I downloaded this file and installed it in C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc and then tested it by putting ad\doubleclick.net in the address bar. It did not get the result that it should. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

What Hosts file did you download....and so as not to assume wrongly....what operating system does this concern ?

 

I downloaded the one at mvps.org. I am using windows xp home edition.

 

What result did you get? Also try ad.doubleclick.net instead.

 

I tried ad.doubleclick.net and got this "This is a doubleclick advertising server"

 

Do you use an Internet Service Provider like AOL or use any type of a proxy ?

 

No I don't use a proxy and I am not on AOL.

 

When you downloaded the file....it did remain as a filename of hosts only....without an extension ?

 

I downloaded the zip file into my downloads and then I unzipped it into C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

 

You didn't really answer Bubba's question. The host file needs to have no extension for it to work properly. If the was filename was host.txt, or whatever, then you need to delete the extension. Alternatively, you can try Hostman here.

 

The host file did not have an extension

 

You could use notepad to open the HOSTS file in the system32\drivers\etc. path. If the file shows up with text files selected, the extension is wrong- you need to select 'all files' in notepad to see it. Then search for doubleclick.net and you should find a few instances (I believe the 3rd or 4th will be ad.doubleclick.net). If that's OK, restart the PC and try your browser again. What browser are you using?

 

Did you check that the hosts file is located in the right directory?
Did your try editing it to make sure you have the correct one?
And also, when you unzipped, did it ask you to overwrite the previous file?
You also need to empty your browsers cache to make sure your aren't viewing any old ads.

 

I have a file called HOSTS with 486kb. I don't know if it is txt or not

 

It is in the right directory and I have deleted the cache.

 

You can rightclick it and see it's properties.
If the filetype is "file" then you are good to go.

You could also use this one: http://everythingisnt.com/NoAdHOSTS.exe
It automatically detects your OS and will install the hosts file at the correct location.

 

Then I think a reboot would be in order

 

I have got the hosts file working. Does anyone have any experience with hosts secure?

 

If you could provide a link that would be great

 

heres a link: http://www.timdorr.com/syko86/ycsoft/hostssecure.htm

as for the program, its very simple and good if u only use mvps hosts.

i dislike the fact its uses .net framework 1.1 tho.

 

I'd recommend Hostsman (2.1 - http://www.tucows.com/preview/407252 - or the beta link above provided by n8chavez). The beta is obviously a work in progress so YMMV with it.

 

I still use the Hosts file manager from Bluetack.