How to check my hosts?

Question

someone advised that i check my hosts ... how do i do this? easy steps please....

thanks.

Answer 1

no one can stop u

ur browser settings may stop you

enable ur cookies

tools> internet options> privacy  and enable alllyour cookies

Answer 2

There is a windows system file called hosts, but I don't think you want to mess with it unless you know what your doing.

Who told you to check hosts and why ??

It doesn't sound like a common piece of advice.

Answer 3

The simplist way to find host file is to put hosts into the search files and folders box. To open them you have to right click on them and open with notepad.

I wouldnt mess with them if you dont know what you are doing. A good guide on host files : http://www.internetinspiration.co.uk/hos...

Answer 4

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Answer 5

As other people say.... dont muck about with your host file unless you have some idea what you're doing with it.

If you do however, muck away.  If you're on windows XP then you'll likely find it somewhere like (if memory serves me..)

c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\

Its just a text file so open it in notepad.  Most computer should only have one entry; which'll be the loop back address for localhost (127.0.0.1).

The hosts file allows you to override DNS by specifying an domain name match for an IP address, and internet applications (on that computer only) will check the hosts file before checking DNS to resolve an IP.

A work practical joke is to alter a colleagues hosts file so that the IP address for google or some commonly used site goes off somewhere else (you decide!!).

But more malicious programs like virusses can attack the hosts file creating fake entries redirecting common sites in the same way, but to far more dangerous places that will then cause further security issues with your computer.

Nothing wrong with reading the file and seeing if there is anything untoward.  But dont make changes unless you know what you're doing.  Some corporate networks will add entries into PCs hosts files so if you're at work, check with your IT department.