Helping people with computers... one answer at a time.
There are ways to block URLs in IE, but doing so will block them from all other programs as well.
Is there a way to block certain URL's in IE?
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Actually, there is, yes. But when you do it, you'll be blocking them in IE and any other program that might attempt to access them.
Interestingly enough, it's the same technique that some viruses use to block you from getting to anti-virus sites.
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Normally Windows uses what's called DNS to map a domain name, such as "microsoft.com" to an IP address, like "207.46.130.108". It's easier for you and me to remember domain names, and this also allows the domain name owners to change their internet addresses at will.
The "hosts" file is a plain text file that can contain overrides to DNS. In it you can hard-code the IP addresses that domain names will map to. Normally, it's not used at all, but it's a great opportunity to block access to domains you don't want accidental access to.
The hosts file is typically found in "c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts". You may need to change the file's read-only attribute so that you can make changes. Open it in notepad.
You should notice an entry like this:
127.0.0.1 localhostThat defines the IP address of "localhost" to be 127.0.0.1, which by definition is your own machine.
To block a site, just add a similar entry to the end of the file. For example:
127.0.0.1 www.badsite.comNow "www.badsite.com" is mapped to your machine. Since you're probably not running a web server, any attempt to visit that site using a browser will fail. In fact, ANY attempt to use "www.badsite.com" will get directed to your own machine and will typically fail.
The only caveat is that addresses are often cached by the software. That means you may need to exit all instances of your browser, for example, before the blockage becomes apparent. In the worst case, reboot, and it should take effect.
By the way, if you open the hosts file and find a long list of what look like anti-virus site domains, you've been infected by a virus and probably want to scan as soon as possible. And feel free to delete those entries from the file.
Article C2110 - July 10, 2004 « »
Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he
was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed.
After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers
to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.
September 22, 2011 12:09 PM
Dear Leo, beautiful Yr website & thanks for yr help!!
I’ve been reading all of 102 posts, but still could you explane something better about:
1) if we find written "127.0.0.1 localhost", shall we delete the word "localhost" or let it there and simply to write addresses after that?
2) In my host file I’ve found this (se below): what the 2nd line is? Since I have many troubles like entering in my HotMail account, ecc., could it be a virus harassing my computer? Or could it be something created by a IP changer program, ad Jdownloader? Anyway, should I delete it or not?
# localhost name resolution is handled within DNS itself.
# 127.0.0.1 localhost
# ::1 localhost
3) What happen if we delete “127.0.0.1” and write instead “127.0.0.2”, or similar? Is this a way to get a new IP? Does it works?
I HOPE YOU’LL REPLY. If not, replies from other helpers are welcome, too! Venetian girl :) God bless you, Leo! ;)
23-Sep-2011
September 24, 2011 12:38 PM
Dear Leo, thanks so much for yr reply! I was afraid do not get it :) I've understood, thanks!
I made a mistake anyway, because yesterday I tried to create the automatic IP change of Jdownloader, but there was not info about how to go on with the process, so I stoped that and... since that moment my downloads with any download tood is SOOO slow, quite still! I think something ruined my connection/IP (I use a public wifi connection with my own comp)... Anyway, I'll find the solution, I hope...
Thank you so much for your free, friendly help :)
April 14, 2012 12:54 AM
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14-Apr-2012
November 22, 2012 6:02 AM
i have entered my wrong password many times and my hotmail is closed so i can't open it now.
please help me , with thanks
November 22, 2012 9:51 AM
@Amer,
Try this article:
What are my Lost Hotmail Account and Password Recovery Options?