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Windows XP HOSTS File:

  • 28-09-2008 5:46pm
    #1
    Gadgetman496
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,408 ✭✭✭


    Should all versions of Windows XP have a HOSTS file in the following location, or is it something that's added for use in restricting Website access or indeed other things?

    C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\HOSTS

    I have a system running Windows XP PRO & it does not have this HOSTS file, it does however have a lmhosts.sam file in the same location.

    What is the lmhosts.sam file for? what is it's function?

    My question has stemmed from another POST where the the Windows HOSTS file held the solution to a problem another user was having.

    -

    "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."



Comments

  • #2
    Spear
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators, Help & Feedback Category Moderators Posts: 25,502 CMod ✭✭✭✭Spear


    gadgetman496 wrote: »
    Should all versions of Windows XP have a HOSTS file in the following location, or is it something that's added for use in restricting Website access or indeed other things?

    C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\HOSTS

    I have a system running Windows XP PRO & it does not have this HOSTS file, it does however have a lmhosts.sam file in the same location.

    What is the lmhosts.sam file for? what is it's function?

    My question has stemmed from another POST where the the Windows HOSTS file held the solution to a problem another user was having.

    -

    Every XP should have one there, even if it's empty. LMHOSTS is similar but for use with the ancient LAN Manager system. The .sam is just short for sample.

    Edit: when I say should, I mean it should be there normally by default, not should as in required.


  • #3
    maki
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 772 ✭✭✭maki


    Lmhosts is used in network resource addressing in Microsoft networking. It's not exactly used too much nowadays as DNS has taken over. Lmhosts.sam is just a sample file.
    That being said there should be a regular hosts file in that location. You can make one yourself, it only really needs one line:
    127.0.0.1 localhost

    If you want a more secure hosts file to block malicious content try the following:
    http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm


  • #4
    Gadgetman496
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,408 ✭✭✭Gadgetman496


    Thanks for those prompt replies people.

    The system here is a new clean install & it most definitely does not have the HOSTS file.

    I can copy a clean one from another system or as pointed out above I can create a new one.

    I'm a tad curious to find out why it isn't there on a brand new install?

    Could it have anything to do with the fact I have SP3 slipstreamed onto the original intall CD?

    -

    "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."



  • #5
    AlmightyCushion
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 35,100 Mod ✭✭✭✭AlmightyCushion


    Do you have the ability to see hidden files and system files turned on?


  • #6
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 92,427 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    you don't need a host file
    it contains a list of name/web sites and their IP addresses
    in almost all case you should be using dns instead


    some hijackers put incorrect entries in the hosts file so instead of going to www.google.com you go to www.expertsexchange.org

    anti malware programs like spybot put lots of 127.0.0.1 entries in the hosts file so requests to dodgy sites never leave your computer

    www.opendns.org can allow you to block dodgy stuff too


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  • #7
    Gadgetman496
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,408 ✭✭✭Gadgetman496


    AlmightyCushion wrote: »
    Do you have the ability to see hidden files and system files turned on?

    Yes I do but either way that particular file isn't a hidden file.

    -

    "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."



  • #8
    Gadgetman496
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,408 ✭✭✭Gadgetman496


    maki wrote: »
    Lmhosts is used in network resource addressing in Microsoft networking. It's not exactly used too much nowadays as DNS has taken over. Lmhosts.sam is just a sample file.
    That being said there should be a regular hosts file in that location. You can make one yourself, it only really needs one line:
    127.0.0.1 localhost

    If you want a more secure hosts file to block malicious content try the following:
    http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm

    That link is handy maki, especially the host file with all the nasties already entered.
    Works for both XP & VISTA too.

    Cheers to Capt'n Midnight too :).

    -

    "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid."



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