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    Windows host file

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by i5evoSwift3814, Feb 7, 2015.

  1. i5evoSwift3814

    i5evoSwift3814 Notebook Consultant

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    I'm using a custom windows host file from here... http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm. If downloaded software is bundled with open candy, or other additional unwanted software. When installing, does the host file automatically block the offer asking if you want to install or decline open candy or other unwanted software on the offer screen?
     
    i5evoSwift3814, Feb 7, 2015
    #1
  2. RCB

    RCB Notebook Deity

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    No, I don't think so...
    When the file is being downloaded it is passing through an allowed server. Host files don't stop software from being installed locally.
    All a host file can do is redirect requests to nowhere or somewhere specified.
     
    RCB, Feb 7, 2015
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  3. Pirx

    Pirx Notebook Virtuoso

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    No. It's a host file, which blocks access to the websites listed in it. That's all it does.
     
    Pirx, Feb 7, 2015
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  4. StormJumper

    StormJumper Notebook Virtuoso

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    Don't not use that hosts file if you have Windows 7 or below. He has stopped supporting the older hosts edits. Hosts file won't block downloads but if the download is from a adware site it will block the site from showing or if you click a adware link if on the hosts block list will stop it from loading giving you extra time to see it that is what you want.

    Downloaded software you need to do a "Custom or Let me Install" to avoid those stealth programs and then you can check to just install the program you want without having to install other software that you didn't want installed.

    Use this one instead..

    http://someonewhocares.org/hosts/

    Also after all your edits make your PC "hosts" file to "READ-ONLY" attribute that will further prevent malware from changing your hosts redirects.

    Also from the MVPS section use this edit if you should have slow downs...

     
    Last edited: Feb 7, 2015
    StormJumper, Feb 7, 2015
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  5. Pirx

    Pirx Notebook Virtuoso

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    [Sigh...] I thought we had covered this before: The Read-Only attribute is a legacy construct that is pretty much meaningless. Anyone, and any piece of software, can simply force an overwrite of such files. If you want additional protection, you're going to have to use proper NTFS permissions, not a relic from the 1980s.
     
    Pirx, Feb 7, 2015
    #5