Hosts Block Description: While the benefits of having an active Internet connection can hardly be overstated, browsing online resources can sometimes have significant negative repercussions on users. From nagging pop-ups to adware and even malware, all these elements can disrupt one's online experience and even damage the system configuration. To avoid such situations, Hosts Block offers a simple and practical protective solution. Protect against online adware and malware The lightweight program is very simple to use and absolutely no advanced knowledge is required to employ it. Specifically, the application works by updating the Windows default hosts file with external information on potential online threats. When browsing online, these domain entries are automatically blocked by Windows, thus allowing one an ad-free Internet experience. What's more, the program can also be configured to load MDL hosts files, thus extending its protection to more serious threats, such as malware. - Per Softpedia.com Features: Download: Download | Hosts Block Setup Download | Microsoft .NET Framework 4 Client (Required to run Hosts Block) Download | Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Package (x86) (Required to run Hosts Block) Rate and Review: Softpedia | Hosts Block Website: Hosts Block | Website Screenshot of Main UI: If you find this useful please let me know. thank you Brock
While there will be those who believe this won't add anything to HostsMan et al, I'm interested in knowing if this Wilders thread will be the official product page.
I plan on this being the official product page. There is a few small changes I'm going to make. Others might not like it or even worth while. But that's ok.
I'm having a problem with it adding anything to my hosts file....Win 8 x32 See the end of this message for details on invoking just-in-time (JIT) debugging instead of this dialog box. ************** Exception Text ************** System.Net.WebException: Unable to connect to the remote server ---> System.Net.Sockets.SocketException: A connection attempt failed because the connected party did not properly respond after a period of time, or established connection failed because connected host has failed to respond 143.215.130.61:80 at System.Net.Sockets.Socket.DoConnect(EndPoint endPointSnapshot, SocketAddress socketAddress) at System.Net.ServicePoint.ConnectSocketInternal(Boolean connectFailure, Socket s4, Socket s6, Socket& socket, IPAddress& address, ConnectSocketState state, IAsyncResult asyncResult, Exception& exception) --- End of inner exception stack trace --- at System.Net.WebClient.DownloadFile(Uri address, String fileName) at Microsoft.VisualBasic.MyServices.Internal.WebClientCopy.DownloadFile(Uri address, String destinationFileName) at Microsoft.VisualBasic.Devices.Network.DownloadFile(Uri address, String destinationFileName, ICredentials networkCredentials, Boolean showUI, Int32 connectionTimeout, Boolean overwrite, UICancelOption onUserCancel) at Microsoft.VisualBasic.Devices.Network.DownloadFile(String address, String destinationFileName, String userName, String password, Boolean showUI, Int32 connectionTimeout, Boolean overwrite, UICancelOption onUserCancel) at Microsoft.VisualBasic.Devices.Network.DownloadFile(String address, String destinationFileName) at Hosts_Block.Form1.ToolStripStatusLabel4_Click(Object sender, EventArgs e) at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.RaiseEvent(Object key, EventArgs e) at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.OnClick(EventArgs e) at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.HandleClick(EventArgs e) at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.HandleMouseUp(MouseEventArgs e) at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.FireEventInteractive(EventArgs e, ToolStripItemEventType met) at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStripItem.FireEvent(EventArgs e, ToolStripItemEventType met) at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip.OnMouseUp(MouseEventArgs mea) at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmMouseUp(Message& m, MouseButtons button, Int32 clicks) at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl.WndProc(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.ToolStrip.WndProc(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.StatusStrip.WndProc(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.OnMessage(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam) ************** Loaded Assemblies ************** mscorlib Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.18449 built by: FX451RTMGDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v4.0.30319/mscorlib.dll ---------------------------------------- Hosts Block Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0 CodeBase: file:///C:/Users/Bolin/Desktop/Hosts%20Block.exe ---------------------------------------- Microsoft.VisualBasic Assembly Version: 10.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 11.0.50709.17929 built by: FX45RTMREL CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.VisualBasic/v4.0_10.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Microsoft.VisualBasic.dll ---------------------------------------- System Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.34239 built by: FX452RTMGDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Core Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.17929 built by: FX45RTMREL CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Core/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Core.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Windows.Forms Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.34250 built by: FX452RTMGDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Drawing Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.18022 built by: FX45RTMGDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Runtime.Remoting Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.34243 built by: FX452RTMGDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Runtime.Remoting/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Runtime.Remoting.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Configuration Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.18058 built by: FX45RTMGDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Configuration/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Configuration.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Xml Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.34230 built by: FX452RTMGDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.dll ---------------------------------------- ************** JIT Debugging ************** To enable just-in-time (JIT) debugging, the .config file for this application or computer (machine.config) must have the jitDebugging value set in the system.windows.forms section. The application must also be compiled with debugging enabled. For example: <configuration> <system.windows.forms jitDebugging="true" /> </configuration> When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception will be sent to the JIT debugger registered on the computer rather than be handled by this dialog box.
They must be updating the list or something but it's temporary down right now. I'll add in a check to prevent that error for happening again.
I've updated Hosts Block to fix the issue when it can't download the file you wont get the exception error but a popup stating the issue. updated program https://www.dropbox.com/s/57f0c5mqoefvpu7/Hosts Block Setup.msi?dl=0 Tonight I hope to fix the startup issue. The issue is windows by nature cant startup a program that wants to be elevated. So I will be using the task scheduler in windows to get around that. Just need to code it is all. also It seems they are having problems on their end. they are going up and down a lot for some reason. thank you Brock
New update: http://bitly.com/HostsBlockSetup Startup with windows is now working. EDIT: I've solved the issue of it not connecting to MDL website. The program should be fully working now. thanks for looking at it. Thank you Brock
All known bugs have been found and fixed that I've seen and caught. if you find anymore please let me know. thanks guys Brock
Program update: http://bitly.com/HostsBlockSetup Changes: Few minor UI tweaks Added a context menu to tray Icon for "open" and Exit" Added a Yes no Msgbox when closing the program. Thank you Brock
Update: I've added the option for MVPS Host file and MDL host file you can have both or one or the other. Hosts Block will update each or one or the other depending on options selected. Startup with Windows is now Default. MVPS host file is the default. these options can be changed in the Options menu. Please uninstall old version and reinstall. thank you Brock
Hello Brocke: It certainly reads as if your Hosts Block is off to a good start. In general terms, how do you believe your Hosts Block compares to abelhadigital's HostsMan v4.5.102? Can you think of any future options that haven't been seen? Thank you.
Thank you. What is hostsmsn? Is it just a manager? If so what would you like to see added maybe ? Everyone welcome to help
Spoiler: bug1 See the end of this message for details on invoking just-in-time (JIT) debugging instead of this dialog box. ************** Exception Text ************** System.IO.FileNotFoundException: The system cannot find the file specified. (Exception from HRESULT: 0x80070002) at Microsoft.Win32.TaskScheduler.V2Interop.ITaskFolder.DeleteTask(String Name, Int32 flags) at Microsoft.Win32.TaskScheduler.TaskFolder.DeleteTask(String Name, Boolean exceptionOnNotExists) at Hosts_Block.options.options_FormClosing(Object sender, FormClosingEventArgs e) at System.Windows.Forms.Form.OnFormClosing(FormClosingEventArgs e) at System.Windows.Forms.Form.CheckCloseDialog(Boolean closingOnly) ************** Loaded Assemblies ************** mscorlib Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.36279 built by: FX452RTMLDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v4.0.30319/mscorlib.dll ---------------------------------------- Hosts Block Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0 CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Hosts%20Block/Hosts%20Block/Hosts%20Block.exe ---------------------------------------- Microsoft.VisualBasic Assembly Version: 10.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 12.0.20806.33440 built by: FX45W81RTMREL CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.VisualBasic/v4.0_10.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Microsoft.VisualBasic.dll ---------------------------------------- System Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.36279 built by: FX452RTMLDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Core Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.36279 built by: FX452RTMLDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Core/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Core.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Windows.Forms Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.36279 built by: FX452RTMLDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Drawing Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.36279 built by: FX452RTMLDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Runtime.Remoting Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.36279 built by: FX452RTMLDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Runtime.Remoting/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Runtime.Remoting.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Configuration Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.36279 built by: FX452RTMLDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Configuration/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Configuration.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Xml Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.36279 built by: FX452RTMLDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.dll ---------------------------------------- Microsoft.Win32.TaskScheduler Assembly Version: 2.4.0.0 Win32 Version: 2.4.0.0 CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Hosts%20Block/Hosts%20Block/Microsoft.Win32.TaskScheduler.DLL ---------------------------------------- ************** JIT Debugging ************** To enable just-in-time (JIT) debugging, the .config file for this application or computer (machine.config) must have the jitDebugging value set in the system.windows.forms section. The application must also be compiled with debugging enabled. For example: <configuration> <system.windows.forms jitDebugging="true" /> </configuration> When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception will be sent to the JIT debugger registered on the computer rather than be handled by this dialog box. Spoiler: bug2 See the end of this message for details on invoking just-in-time (JIT) debugging instead of this dialog box. ************** Exception Text ************** System.Runtime.InteropServices.COMException (0x80041315): The Task Scheduler Service is not running. (Exception from HRESULT: 0x80041315) at Microsoft.Win32.TaskScheduler.V2Interop.ITaskFolder.RegisterTaskDefinition(String Path, ITaskDefinition pDefinition, Int32 flags, Object UserId, Object password, TaskLogonType LogonType, Object sddl) at Microsoft.Win32.TaskScheduler.TaskFolder.RegisterTaskDefinition(String Path, TaskDefinition definition, TaskCreation createType, String UserId, String password, TaskLogonType LogonType, String sddl) at Microsoft.Win32.TaskScheduler.TaskFolder.RegisterTaskDefinition(String Path, TaskDefinition definition) at Hosts_Block.Form1.Form1_Load(Object sender, EventArgs e) at System.EventHandler.Invoke(Object sender, EventArgs e) at System.Windows.Forms.Form.OnLoad(EventArgs e) at System.Windows.Forms.Form.OnCreateControl() at System.Windows.Forms.Control.CreateControl(Boolean fIgnoreVisible) at System.Windows.Forms.Control.CreateControl() at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmShowWindow(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.ScrollableControl.WndProc(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.ContainerControl.WndProc(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.Form.WmShowWindow(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.Form.WndProc(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.OnMessage(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m) at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam) ************** Loaded Assemblies ************** mscorlib Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.36279 built by: FX452RTMLDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v4.0.30319/mscorlib.dll ---------------------------------------- Hosts Block Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0 CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Hosts%20Block/Hosts%20Block/Hosts%20Block.exe ---------------------------------------- Microsoft.VisualBasic Assembly Version: 10.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 12.0.20806.33440 built by: FX45W81RTMREL CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.VisualBasic/v4.0_10.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Microsoft.VisualBasic.dll ---------------------------------------- System Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.36279 built by: FX452RTMLDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Core Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.36279 built by: FX452RTMLDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Core/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Core.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Windows.Forms Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.36279 built by: FX452RTMLDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Drawing Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.36279 built by: FX452RTMLDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Runtime.Remoting Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.36279 built by: FX452RTMLDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Runtime.Remoting/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Runtime.Remoting.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Configuration Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.36279 built by: FX452RTMLDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Configuration/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Configuration.dll ---------------------------------------- System.Xml Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0 Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.36279 built by: FX452RTMLDR CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.dll ---------------------------------------- Microsoft.Win32.TaskScheduler Assembly Version: 2.4.0.0 Win32 Version: 2.4.0.0 CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files/Hosts%20Block/Hosts%20Block/Microsoft.Win32.TaskScheduler.DLL ---------------------------------------- ************** JIT Debugging ************** To enable just-in-time (JIT) debugging, the .config file for this application or computer (machine.config) must have the jitDebugging value set in the system.windows.forms section. The application must also be compiled with debugging enabled. For example: <configuration> <system.windows.forms jitDebugging="true" /> </configuration> When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception will be sent to the JIT debugger registered on the computer rather than be handled by this dialog box. i installed program in sandboxie and get that two error. however there are many program like your software. i Interested to see program catch every request made by any program and ask me to block it.like firewall software. good luck
@co22 So you installed Hosts Block in Sandboxie? If so I believe that's what caused the bug. Try installing out if sandboxie.
Hostman is a very feature rich Host File Updater and Manager which a lot of user make use of already to update and manager their Host File in relation to amongst other the MVPS Host File list of addresses. If you have not already you should take a look at it if only as a comparison. Regards, Baldrick
Thank you I'm not looking to replace or out do hostman but create something unique to its own. I just thought I'd though that out there.
@Brocke I recall your other thread asking for ideas on which type of program to create, but I did not have time to post at that time. There are quite a few Hosts programs, as we know. But I have another idea if you are up for it. It might be beneficial these days considering all of the Windows 10 spying and so on as well, but even regardless of that, it would still be a nice idea. Have you considered making an easy to setup local proxy DNS server for Windows? This could be used to block advertisements, trackers, telemetry, etc. This could be similar in concept to the old (now defunct) TreeWalk DNS for Windows which was based on BIND DNS (https://www.isc.org/downloads/bind/). Setting up a local DNS server can be tricky and therefore if you could create a program to set this up within Windows, and easy to maintain, that would be much more powerful compared to Hosts file solutions.
Hi Brocke I never thought that you were trying to out do or replace Hostsman...but just mentioned it in case you were not aware of the app. It is good to see what other doing in the same area that one is in, eh? Regards, Baldrick
http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman Suggestions: 1. One of the features, that abelhadigital's HostsMan does not do, is the inclusion of encrypting the user's HOSTS backup file much like Brightfort's SpywareBlaster v5.2 does. 2. The ability to exercise full/variable control over the frequency of seeking updates from list providers. 3. Provide automated protection and integrity checks of the user's system HOSTS file from malicious attacks. Cheers
