Block Thousands of Ads With HOSTS

by Brett in Circuits > Websites

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Block Thousands of Ads With HOSTS

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In this instructable, I will show you an easy way to block nearly thousands of advertisements, in one simple, easy method.

About Window's HOSTS File

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Before we start, it is important to understand exactly what the HOSTS file is.

The HOSTS file is a file with IP addresses, corresponding to a domain name, that windows references and bypasses DNS with.

For a more in-depth explanation, please visit Wikipedia's definition:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_file

Download Replacement HOSTS File

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There are many replacement HOSTS file out there, so experiment and determine which one you like best. I personally use the MVPS malware prevention HOSTS file. It does fine for me.

The MVPS HOSTS file I've used is located here:
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.txt

Simply save this file to your desktop, temporarily.
(Right-Click, Save Target/Link As..)

Navigate to and Backup Default HOSTS File

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Our next step is to find the HOSTS file on your computer.

Here are some of the default locations for the Windows HOSTS file from Wikipedia.

  • Linux and other Unix-like operating systems: /etc
  • Windows 95/98/Me: %windir%\
  • Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista: %SystemRoot%\system32\drivers\etc\ is the default location, which may be changed. The actual directory is determined by the Registry key \HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters\DataBasePath .
  • Mac OS: System Folder:Preferences or System folder (format of the file may vary from Windows and Linux counterparts)
  • Mac OS X: /private/etc (uses BSD-style hosts file)
  • OS/2 and eComStation: "bootdrive":\mptn\etc\
  • Novell Netware: SYS:\ETC

If you can't find it, Start -> Search is always a good tool to use :).

Once you successfully navigate to the HOSTS file, rename is from "HOSTS" to "HOSTS.backup".
Doing this, you will always have a backup of your default HOSTS file if for some reason you want to revert to it.

Copy New HOSTS File

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Next, copy and paste the "HOSTS.txt" file from you desktop to where your default HOSTS file was.
After the file is copied, rename it from "HOSTS.txt" to just "HOSTS".

NOTE: You maybe have to edit your folder settings to not "Hide extensions for known file types" by going to Tools -> Folder Options -> View -> Uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types".

Finish!

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You have now replaced your HOSTS file!
Congratulations.

It may take a few minutes for the changes to become active. You may also have to close all internet browser windows.

Enjoy internet browsing with minimal ads!