Author Topic: MVPS HOSTS file tells you how to Block Unwanted Parasites with a Hosts File  (Read 4019 times)

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MVPS HOSTS file has instructions on how to Block Unwanted Parasites with their Hosts File. "Some Assembly Required."

Recommended by Andrew the Cat Man: Software Santa thanks him for posting this security tip! A tip of Software Santa's Santa Cap to him!



Quote
What it does ...
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 (your) machine. Another feature of the HOSTS file is its ability to block other applications from connecting to the Internet, providing the entry exists.

You can use a HOSTS file to block ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and even most hijackers. This is accomplished by blocking the connection(s) that supplies these little gems.

Example - the following entry 127.0.0.1 ad.doubleclick.net blocks all files supplied by that DoubleClick Server to the web page you are viewing. This also prevents the server from tracking your movements. Why? ... because in certain cases "Ad Servers" like Doubleclick (and many others) will try silently to open a separate connection on the webpage you are viewing, record your movements then yes ... follow you to additional sites you may visit.

In many cases using a well designed HOSTS file can speed the loading of web pages by not having to wait for these ads, annoying banners, hit counters, etc. to load. This also helps to protect your Privacy and Security by blocking sites that may track your viewing habits, also known as  "click-thru tracking" or Data Miners. Simply using a HOSTS file is not a cure-all against all the dangers on the Internet, but it does provide another very effective "Layer of Protection".

For Windows XP SP2 users you should see a Security Center prompt about allowing this connection. [screenshot]
Simply click No and continue. Yes the prompts can be annoying but at least you'll know, however you should not see these prompts if these entries are included in the HOSTS file.

Note: this prompt only occurs if (example) *.doubleclick.net is included in the "Restricted Zone".


    Note: By placing these type sites in the Restricted Zone this also cures most "Back Button" issues.

    MVPS HOSTS now includes most major parasites, hijackers and unwanted Adware/Spyware programs!

    Proudly now the #1 rated HOSTS file on the Internet!  - Google | MSN | Yahoo | AltaVista
    Now regularly featured on the Kim Komando Radio Show
    The MVPS HOSTS file has been selected by Pricelessware as "the best of the best in Freeware" for the 2nd time ...

    Editors Note: As time has progressed the focus of this project has changed from just blocking ads/banners to protecting the user from the many parasites that now exist on the Internet. It doesn't serve much purpose if you block the ad banner from displaying as most other HOSTS files do, but get hijacked by a parasite from an evil exploit or download contained on the web site. The object is to surf faster while preserving your Safety, Security and Privacy. [more info]
       To view the HOSTS file in plain text form. (599 kb) (opens in browser)
    Note: The text version also makes a terrific searchable reference for determining possible unwanted connections
    Download: hosts.zip [right-click - Select: Save Target As] [Updated October-13-2011]
    If you found the MVPS HOSTS file useful ... please consider a donation

    This download includes a simple batch file (mvps.bat) that will rename the existing HOSTS file to HOSTS.MVP then copy the included updated HOSTS file to the proper location. For more information please see the readme.txt included in the download.
        Important! Windows Vista requires special instructions  Not here - over there > see here
     Important! Windows 7 requires special instructions  Not here - over there > see here

    When you run the (mvps.bat) batch file XP users may see a prompt, simply click Run and continue. Once updated you should see another prompt that the task was completed. Some users may see a pop-up from certain Security programs about changes to the HOSTS file. Allow the change ... however if you see this pop-up at any other time ... investigate.

    Download Information: (checksum info is on the HOSTS file not the "hosts.zip")
    MD5: 32E66191AA1CB39B8A6E9713443C3984 SHA-1: 52E225464D7A74708522ED41092BFDA266157810

    Manual Install Method - Unzip in a "temp" folder and place in the appropriate installed location:

        If you are having trouble downloading or extracting the HOSTS file [click here]
        Note: the below locations are for the typical default paths, edit as needed.

    Windows 7/Vista/XP      =    C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC
    Windows 2K    =    C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC

    The actual location is defined by the following Registry key:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\DataBasePath

    There is no need to turn on, adjust or change any settings with the exception of the DNS Client service (see below). Windows automatically looks for the existence of a HOSTS file and if found, checks the HOSTS file first for entries to the web page you just requested. The 127.0.0.1 is considered the location of your computer, so when the entry (example) "ad.doubleclick.net" is requested your computer thinks 127.0.0.1 is the location of the file. When this file is not located it skips onto the next file and thus the ad server is blocked from loading the banner, Cookie, or some unscrupulous ActiveX, or javascript file.

    In case you're wondering ... this all happens in microseconds, which is much faster than trying to fetch a file from half way around the world. Another great feature of the HOSTS file is that it is a two-way file, meaning if some parasite does get into your system (usually bundled with other products) the culprit can not get out (call home) as long as the necessary entries exist. This is why it's important to keep your HOSTS file up to Date.

    Editors Note: in most cases a large HOSTS file (over 135 kb) tends to slow down the machine.

    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 Stop
        Click the drop-down arrow for "Startup type"
        Select: Manual (recommended) or Disabled  click Apply/Ok and restart. [more info]

    When set to Manual you can see that the above "Service" is not needed (after a little browsing - when set to Manual) by opening the Services Editor again, scroll down to DNS Client and check the "Status" column. It should be blank, if it was needed it would show "Started" in that column. There are several Utilities that can reset the DNS Client for you ... [more info]

    Editors Note: The above instructions are intended for a single (home-user) PC. If your machine is part of a "Domain", check with your IT Dept. before applying this work-around. This especially applies to Laptop users who travel or bring their work machines home. Make sure to reset the Service (if needed) prior to connecting (reboot required) to your work Domain ...

    Important! If you are using Network Discovery then the DNS Client service is required and should not be set to either Manual or Disabled.

    Possible Workaround for using the MVPS HOSTS file and leaving the DNS Client service enabled (set to: Automatic)

        If you find after a period of time that your browser seems sluggish with the DNS Client service enabled you can manually flush the DNS cache
        Close all browser windows ... open a "Command Prompt" from the Start Menu > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt
        (type) ipconfig /flushdns (press Enter) Then close the Command Prompt ...


    A better Win7/Vista workaround would be to add two Registry entries to control the amount of time the DNS cache is saved.

        Flush the existing DNS cache (see above)
        Start > Run (type) regedit
        Navigate to the following location:
        HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Dnscache\Parameters
        Click Edit > New > DWORD Value (type) MaxCacheTtl
        Click Edit > New > DWORD Value (type) MaxNegativeCacheTtl
        Next right-click on the MaxCacheTtl entry (right pane) and select: Modify and change the value to 1
        The MaxNegativeCacheTtl entry should already have a value of 0 (leave it that way - see screenshot)
        Close Regedit and reboot ...
        As usual you should always backup your Registry before editing ... see Regedit Help under "Exporting Registry files"

    JBF sends along this Tip: IPCOP running a DHCP server needs the DNS Client enabled to function.

http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm

 

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