Internet Explorer & "hosts" help wanted

[BuddhaTB]

The links on Bensbargains.net don't work for me. So I decided to check out their FAQ section. I found the section telling me how to fix the problem, but I don't understand what they are trying to tell me to do.

None of your links work!
This is mostly likely a problem on your end. Recent software such as Kazaa and other file sharing programs have underhandedly altered your hosts file, which controls where Internet Explorer looks for web sites. To fix this, you must edit the hosts file. Here's how:

Search your Windows directory for a file called "hosts" and open it in notepad or wordpad. You must comment out all instances of the servers that are failing for you by placing a pound symbol # before each line that restricts a server. Thus,

127.0.0.1 linksynergy.com

would become, #127.0.0.1 linksynergy.com

Here's a list of most of the servers that I use: linksynergy, cj, commission-junction, bfast, bfree, linkshare, clickshare. You can figure out more hosts on your own by seeing what server is failing.

I opened up my host file and its full of different links. I try adding #127.0.0.1 linksynergy.com to the file, but windows won't allow me to save it. So I'm really unsure what to do here. Could someone please provide me with some guidance on editing/cleaning out my hosts file?

[Ian]

post the contents from your hosts file so we can see it.

[Justin42]

You must be running some sort of spyware checking program that's keeping Hosts from being edited -- check for AdAware/Spybot/etc and look for settings involving "immunize hosts".

Also, right click on the Hosts file, click Properties, and be sure "read only" is UNchecked.

The Hosts file is just a plain text file, so there shouldn't be any tricks to editing/saving it.

[dodecahedron]

buddha, the "127.0.0.1 linksynergy.com" is just an example. you don't have to add it to your hosts list.

if your hosts list originally had a line like
123.456.789.012 mywebsite.com

and then a spyware program changed it to
127.0.0.1 mywebsite.com

then you wouldn't be able to reach the website "mywebsite.com"

putting the # at the beginning of the line 'comments' it, thus nullifying the blocking effect.

my hosts file contains only one (uncommented) line:
127.0.0.1 localhost

this is what it should originally be (comes like this from windows) unless you had the hosts file altered by either spyware/adware/malicious (such as Kazaa etc.) or by spyware protection programs such as AdAware, Spybot.

try renaming the hosts file to host_backup, create a new text file named hosts (no ending .txt) with the content

Code: Select all

127.0.0.1       localhost

see if things work now.

also, are you using AdAware/Spybot etc? you might want to turn off their hosts-protection features before doing the above and on after.

[dodecahedron]

if you are using Spybot, you can open it (in Advanced mode), click on the Tools button in the left bar, and then on Hosts botton. it will show you the content of your hosts file.

i also recommend hitting the button "Add Spybot's hosts list". then you'll see lots of sites with 127.0.0.1, which is agood thing since they're blocked. which is a good thing since they're bad - advertising or malicious sites.

[BuddhaTB]

I use Ad-Aware, Spybot S&D, and SpywareBlaster

Here is my huge text file. I assume my spyware programs have added all those sites to be blocked since the list is fairly long.

Code: Select all

# localhost: Needs to stay like this to work
127.0.0.1   localhost

# KaZaA related:

127.0.0.1 desktop.kazaa.com
127.0.0.1 www.altnetp2p.com
127.0.0.1 alpha.kazaa.com
127.0.0.1 shop.kazaa.com
127.0.0.1 www.bonzi.com
127.0.0.1 www.brilliantdigital.com
127.0.0.1 www.b3d.com
127.0.0.1 media.altnet.com
127.0.0.1 www.altnet.com
127.0.0.1 dev.bde.com.au
127.0.0.1 update.kazaa.com
127.0.0.1 bravo.kazaa.com

# Adservers and other crappy sites:

127.0.0.1 123banners.com
127.0.0.1 ad.adsmart.net
127.0.0.1 ad.ca.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 ad.de.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 ad.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 ad.es.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 ad.fr.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 ad.free6.com
127.0.0.1 ad.it.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 ad.iwin.com
127.0.0.1 ad.jp.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 ad.kr.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 ad.linkexchange.com
127.0.0.1 ad.linksynergy.com
127.0.0.1 ad.nl.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 ad.no.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 ad.preferences.com
127.0.0.1 ad.se.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 ad.sma.punto.net
127.0.0.1 ad.trafficmp.com
127.0.0.1 ad.uk.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 ad.webprovider.com
127.0.0.1 ad08.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ad1.adcept.net
127.0.0.1 ad1.icorp.net
127.0.0.1 ad1.looksmart.com
127.0.0.1 ad1.peel.com
127.0.0.1 ad2.adcept.net
127.0.0.1 ad2.looksmart.com
127.0.0.1 ad2.peel.com
127.0.0.1 ad3.adcept.net
127.0.0.1 ad3.peel.com
127.0.0.1 ad4.peel.com
127.0.0.1 ad-adex3.flycast.com
127.0.0.1 adcontroller.unicast.com
127.0.0.1 adcreatives.imaginemedia.com
127.0.0.1 addb.looksmart.com
127.0.0.1 adevents.msn.com
127.0.0.1 adex3.flycast.com
127.0.0.1 adfarm.mediaplex.com
127.0.0.1 adforce.ads.imgis.com
127.0.0.1 adforce.imgis.com
127.0.0.1 adfu.blockstackers.com
127.0.0.1 adimage.blm.net
127.0.0.1 adimages.earthweb.com
127.0.0.1 adimages.go.com
127.0.0.1 adimages.imaginemedia.com
127.0.0.1 adimg.egroups.com
127.0.0.1 admedia.xoom.com
127.0.0.1 admonitor.net
127.0.0.1 adpick.switchboard.com
127.0.0.1 adproject.net
127.0.0.1 adremote.pathfinder.com
127.0.0.1 adres.internet.com
127.0.0.1 ads.adflight.com
127.0.0.1 ads.ad-flow.com
127.0.0.1 ads.admaximize.com
127.0.0.1 ads.admonitor.net
127.0.0.1 ads.adroar.com
127.0.0.1 ads.astalavista.us
127.0.0.1 ads.bfast.com
127.0.0.1 ads.box.sk
127.0.0.1 ads.burstnet.com
127.0.0.1 ads.cdfreaks.com
127.0.0.1 ads.chrbanner.com
127.0.0.1 ads.clickagents.com
127.0.0.1 ads.clickhouse.com
127.0.0.1 ads.dai.net
127.0.0.1 ads.datais.com
127.0.0.1 ads.enliven.com
127.0.0.1 ads.eu.msn.com
127.0.0.1 ads.fairfax.com.au
127.0.0.1 ads.fool.com
127.0.0.1 ads.fortunecity.com
127.0.0.1 ads.fortunecity.fr
127.0.0.1 ads.freeze.com
127.0.0.1 ads.freshmeat.net
127.0.0.1 ads.god.co.uk
127.0.0.1 ads.guardianunlimited.co.uk
127.0.0.1 ads.hitcents.com
127.0.0.1 ads.hollywood.com
127.0.0.1 ads.i12.de
127.0.0.1 ads.i33.com
127.0.0.1 ads.ign.com
127.0.0.1 ads.imaginemedia.com
127.0.0.1 ads.indya.com
127.0.0.1 ads.infi.net
127.0.0.1 ads.irover.com
127.0.0.1 ads.ixo.com
127.0.0.1 ads.jpost.com
127.0.0.1 ads.jwtt3.com
127.0.0.1 ads.killerapp.com
127.0.0.1 ads.link4ads.com
127.0.0.1 ads.linksponsor.com
127.0.0.1 ads.looksmart.com
127.0.0.1 ads.lycos.com
127.0.0.1 ads.lycos.de
127.0.0.1 ads.madison.com
127.0.0.1 ads.mediaodyssey.com
127.0.0.1 ads.mediaturf.net
127.0.0.1 ads.msn.com
127.0.0.1 ads.musiccity.com
127.0.0.1 ads.netomia.com
127.0.0.1 ads.netpumper.com
127.0.0.1 ads.newcity.com
127.0.0.1 ads.newcitynet.com
127.0.0.1 ads.ninemsn.com.au
127.0.0.1 ads.rediff.com
127.0.0.1 ads.satyamonline.com
127.0.0.1 ads.seattletimes.com
127.0.0.1 ads.smartclicks.com
127.0.0.1 ads.smartclicks.net
127.0.0.1 ads.sptimes.com
127.0.0.1 ads.startpath.com
127.0.0.1 ads.station.sony.com
127.0.0.1 ads.tiscali.fr
127.0.0.1 ads.tripod.com
127.0.0.1 ads.tucows.com
127.0.0.1 ads.vcommunities.com
127.0.0.1 ads.web.aol.com
127.0.0.1 ads.x10.com
127.0.0.1 ads.xtra.co.nz
127.0.0.1 ads.zdnet.com
127.0.0.1 ads01.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads02.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads03.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads04.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads05.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads06.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads07.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads08.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads09.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads1.activeagent.at
127.0.0.1 ads1.ad-flow.com
127.0.0.1 ads1.speedbit.com
127.0.0.1 ads10.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads11.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads12.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads13.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads14.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads15.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads16.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads17.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads18.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads19.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads2.speedbit.com
127.0.0.1 ads2.zdnet.com
127.0.0.1 ads20.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads21.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads22.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads23.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads24.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads25.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads3.speedbit.com
127.0.0.1 ads3.zdnet.com
127.0.0.1 ads4.speedbit.com
127.0.0.1 ads5.gamecity.net
127.0.0.1 ads5.speedbit.com
127.0.0.1 ads6.speedbit.com
127.0.0.1 ads7.speedbit.com
127.0.0.1 ads8.speedbit.com
127.0.0.1 adserv.bravenet.com
127.0.0.1 adserv.bravenet.com
127.0.0.1 adserv.iafrica.com
127.0.0.1 adserv.internetfuel.com
127.0.0.1 adserv.quality-channel.de
127.0.0.1 adserver.adtech.de
127.0.0.1 adserver.affiliation.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.akqa.net
127.0.0.1 adserver.dbusiness.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.directforce.net
127.0.0.1 adserver.garden.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.gorillanation.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.humanux.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.imaginemedia.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.isonews.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.janes.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.lunarpages.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.merc.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.monster.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.track-star.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.tweakers.net
127.0.0.1 adserver.ugo.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.webads.nl
127.0.0.1 adserver1.ogilvy-interactive.de
127.0.0.1 adserver2.imaginemedia.com
127.0.0.1 AdSubstract
127.0.0.1 adsubstract
127.0.0.1 ads-ussj1.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 adtegrity.spinbox.net
127.0.0.1 adulttds.com
127.0.0.1 aglink.mircx.com
127.0.0.1 antfarm-ad.flycast.com
127.0.0.1 asm3.z1.adserver.com
127.0.0.1 au.ads.link4ads.com
127.0.0.1 bach.aureate.com
127.0.0.1 badservant.guj.de
127.0.0.1 banner.50megs.com
127.0.0.1 banner.adverity.com
127.0.0.1 banner.commissionpartner.com
127.0.0.1 banner.de
127.0.0.1 banner.easyspace.com
127.0.0.1 banner.free6.com
127.0.0.1 banner.i-3.de
127.0.0.1 banner.media-system.de
127.0.0.1 banner.orb.net
127.0.0.1 banner.relcom.ru
127.0.0.1 bannerad.ipgnet.com
127.0.0.1 bannerads.de
127.0.0.1 bannerfarm.ace.advertising.com
127.0.0.1 bannerimages.0catch.com
127.0.0.1 bannermaster.geektech.com
127.0.0.1 banner-net.com
127.0.0.1 bannerpower.com
127.0.0.1 banners.adultfriendfinder.com
127.0.0.1 banners.easydns.com
127.0.0.1 banners.free6.com
127.0.0.1 banners.hotlinks.net
127.0.0.1 banners.looksmart.com
127.0.0.1 banners.nextcard.com
127.0.0.1 banners.pennyweb.com
127.0.0.1 banners.valuead.com
127.0.0.1 banners.webmasterplan.com
127.0.0.1 banners.wunderground.com
127.0.0.1 bannervip.webjump.com
127.0.0.1 banzai.moodlogic.com
127.0.0.1 barnesandnoble.bfast.com
127.0.0.1 beseen.com
127.0.0.1 beseen.looksmart.com
127.0.0.1 beseen5.looksmart.com
127.0.0.1 beseenad.looksmart.com
127.0.0.1 beseenad1.looksmart.com
127.0.0.1 beseenad2.looksmart.com
127.0.0.1 beseenad3.looksmart.com
127.0.0.1 beseenadx.looksmart.com
127.0.0.1 bfast.com
127.0.0.1 bizad.nikkeibp.co.jp
127.0.0.1 bn.bfast.com
127.0.0.1 botw.topbucks.com
127.0.0.1 bsads.looksmart.com
127.0.0.1 by.advertising.com
127.0.0.1 c1.thecounter.com
127.0.0.1 c2.thecounter.com
127.0.0.1 c3.xxxcounter.com
127.0.0.1 califia.imaginemedia.com
127.0.0.1 cash4banner.com
127.0.0.1 cash4banner.de
127.0.0.1 cds.mediaplex.com
127.0.0.1 cgi.sexlist.com
127.0.0.1 click.avenuea.com
127.0.0.1 click.go2net.com
127.0.0.1 click.linksynergy.com
127.0.0.1 clickagents.com
127.0.0.1 clicks.about.com
127.0.0.1 clicks.nastydollars.com
127.0.0.1 clicks.oxcash.com
127.0.0.1 clit5.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 code02.pbtech.net
127.0.0.1 commonwealth.riddler.com
127.0.0.1 cookies.cmpnet.com
127.0.0.1 cornflakes.pathfinder.com
127.0.0.1 counter.hitbox.com
127.0.0.1 counter1.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter10.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter11.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter12.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter13.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter14.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter15.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter16.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter2.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter3.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter4.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter5.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter6.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter7.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter8.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter9.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 crs.akamai.com
127.0.0.1 crux.songline.com
127.0.0.1 ct.iac-online.de
127.0.0.1 ctc.amateurpages.com
127.0.0.1 de.netstatpro.net
127.0.0.1 desktop.grokster.com
127.0.0.1 dialer.offshoreclicks.com
127.0.0.1 doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 download1.libereco.net
127.0.0.1 ehg.hitbox.com
127.0.0.1 ehg-commjun.hitbox.com
127.0.0.1 erie.smartage.com
127.0.0.1 etad.telegraph.co.uk
127.0.0.1 everyone.net
127.0.0.1 exchange-it.com
127.0.0.1 exitfuel.com
127.0.0.1 exitmoney.com
127.0.0.1 fast.mediacharger.com
127.0.0.1 focalink.com
127.0.0.1 fp.valueclick.com
127.0.0.1 fragmentserv.iac-online.de
127.0.0.1 free.fuck-portal.com
127.0.0.1 freebieclub.com
127.0.0.1 freeezinebucks.com
127.0.0.1 freepass.elitecities.com
127.0.0.1 fs.dai.net
127.0.0.1 gadgeteer.pdamart.com
127.0.0.1 global.msads.net
127.0.0.1 gm.preferences.com
127.0.0.1 go.ezgreen.com
127.0.0.1 got2goshop.com
127.0.0.1 goto.trafficmultiplier.com
127.0.0.1 gp.dejanews.com
127.0.0.1 hacker-spider.de
127.0.0.1 hc2.humanclick.com
127.0.0.1 hg1.hitbox.com
127.0.0.1 hit.hotlog.ru
127.0.0.1 hitbox.com
127.0.0.1 hitmatic.com
127.0.0.1 hitsfrom.popuprush.com
127.0.0.1 hypercount.com
127.0.0.1 ifcol.exitfuel.com
127.0.0.1 image.click2net.com
127.0.0.1 image.eimg.com
127.0.0.1 images.sexlist.com
127.0.0.1 images2.nytimes.com
127.0.0.1 imageserv.adtech.de
127.0.0.1 img.lop.com
127.0.0.1 img.mediaplex.com
127.0.0.1 impnl.tradedoubler.com
127.0.0.1 internetfuel.com
127.0.0.1 itn.adbureau.net
127.0.0.1 jcms.cydoor.com
127.0.0.1 jeeves.flycast.com
127.0.0.1 jobkeys.ngadcenter.net
127.0.0.1 kansas.valueclick.com
127.0.0.1 leader.linkexchange.com
127.0.0.1 linkbuddies.com
127.0.0.1 liquidad.narrowcastmedia.com
127.0.0.1 liveadvert.com
127.0.0.1 ln.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 looksmartclicks.com
127.0.0.1 lop.com
127.0.0.1 lsads.looksmart.com.au
127.0.0.1 m.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 macaddictads.snv.futurenet.com
127.0.0.1 marketing-internet.com
127.0.0.1 maxexp.com
127.0.0.1 maximumcash.com
127.0.0.1 maximumpcads.imaginemedia.com
127.0.0.1 media.carpediem.fr
127.0.0.1 media.expedia.com
127.0.0.1 media.fastclick.net
127.0.0.1 media.popuptraffic.com
127.0.0.1 media.popuptraffic.com
127.0.0.1 media.preferences.com
127.0.0.1 media20.fastclick.net
127.0.0.1 mediacharger.com
127.0.0.1 mediamgr.ugo.com
127.0.0.1 mediaplex.com
127.0.0.1 megacash.de
127.0.0.1 mercury.rmuk.co.uk
127.0.0.1 millenium-hitz.com
127.0.0.1 mjxads.internet.com
127.0.0.1 mojofarm.sjc.mediaplex.com
127.0.0.1 monitor.looksmart.com
127.0.0.1 monsterhitz.to
127.0.0.1 musiccity.streamcastnetwork.com
127.0.0.1 n24.de
127.0.0.1 nbc.adbureau.net
127.0.0.1 network.realmedia.com
127.0.0.1 newads.cmpnet.com
127.0.0.1 newsticker.shortnews.de
127.0.0.1 ng3.ads.warnerbros.com
127.0.0.1 ngads.smartage.com
127.0.0.1 nitrous.exitfuel.com
127.0.0.1 nsads.hotwired.com
127.0.0.1 ntbanner.digitalriver.com
127.0.0.1 oad.realmedia.com
127.0.0.1 oas.benchmark.fr
127.0.0.1 onresponse.com
127.0.0.1 onresponse.com
127.0.0.1 oz.valueclick.com
127.0.0.1 p.wtlive.com
127.0.0.1 paycounter.com
127.0.0.1 ph-ad04.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ph-ad05.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ph-ad07.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ph-ad16.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ph-ad17.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ph-ad18.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 php.offshoreclicks.com
127.0.0.1 pluto.beseen.com
127.0.0.1 pop.mircx.com
127.0.0.1 popup.found404.com
127.0.0.1 porn-attack.com
127.0.0.1 portal.hostultra.com
127.0.0.1 proxy.ladot.com
127.0.0.1 pub.epiknet.org
127.0.0.1 pub.infiniland.com
127.0.0.1 pub.ketix.com
127.0.0.1 pub.telmedia.fr
127.0.0.1 pub.weborama.fr
127.0.0.1 publish.hometown.aol.co.uk
127.0.0.1 realads.realmedia.com
127.0.0.1 redherring.ngadcenter.net
127.0.0.1 redirect.click2net.com
127.0.0.1 redirect.iac-online.de
127.0.0.1 regio.adlink.de
127.0.0.1 ResponseMedia-ad.flycast.com
127.0.0.1 retaildirect.realmedia.com
127.0.0.1 rmads.eu.msn.com
127.0.0.1 rs.webmasterplan.com
127.0.0.1 s0.bluestreak.com
127.0.0.1 s1.bluestreak.com
127.0.0.1 s2.bluestreak.com
127.0.0.1 s2.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 s3.bluestreak.com
127.0.0.1 s4.bluestreak.com
127.0.0.1 s5.bluestreak.com
127.0.0.1 s6.bluestreak.com
127.0.0.1 s7.bluestreak.com
127.0.0.1 s8.bluestreak.com
127.0.0.1 sbee.com
127.0.0.1 script.weborama.fr
127.0.0.1 search.kazaa.com
127.0.0.1 secserv.imgis.com
127.0.0.1 servedby.advertising.com
127.0.0.1 servedby.advertwizard.com
127.0.0.1 server.hamster.com
127.0.0.1 server-uk.imrworldwide.com
127.0.0.1 sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 sh4banner.de
127.0.0.1 sh4sure-images.adbureau.net
127.0.0.1 shop.freepush.com
127.0.0.1 shortwin.de
127.0.0.1 specialoffers.aol.com
127.0.0.1 spezialreporte.de
127.0.0.1 spin.spinbox.net
127.0.0.1 sprinks-clicks.about.com
127.0.0.1 spylog.com
127.0.0.1 srv1.bannercommunity.de
127.0.0.1 srv2.bannercommunity.de
127.0.0.1 srv3.bannercommunity.de
127.0.0.1 static.admaximize.com
127.0.0.1 stats.superstats.com
127.0.0.1 stats3.porntrack.com
127.0.0.1 statse.webtrendslive.com
127.0.0.1 Suissa-ad.flycast.com
127.0.0.1 survey.proactive.nl
127.0.0.1 sview.avenuea.com
127.0.0.1 t0.extreme-dm.com
127.0.0.1 thinknyc.eu-adcenter.net
127.0.0.1 tour01.bangbus.com
127.0.0.1 tpl1.realtracker.com
127.0.0.1 tracker.clicktrade.com
127.0.0.1 trinityacquisitions.com
127.0.0.1 tsms-ad.tsms.com
127.0.0.1 tuerck.de.counted.com
127.0.0.1 twistedhumor.com
127.0.0.1 ugo.eu-adcenter.net
127.0.0.1 UGO.eu-adcenter.net
127.0.0.1 uk1.linksynergy.com
127.0.0.1 uk2.linksynergy.com
127.0.0.1 uk3.linksynergy.com
127.0.0.1 uk4.linksynergy.com
127.0.0.1 uk5.linksynergy.com
127.0.0.1 us.adserver.yahoo.com
127.0.0.1 v0.extreme-dm.com
127.0.0.1 v1.extreme-dm.com
127.0.0.1 valueclick.com
127.0.0.1 van.ads.link4ads.com
127.0.0.1 vant.guj.de
127.0.0.1 venus.goclick.com
127.0.0.1 view.accendo.com
127.0.0.1 view.avenuea.com
127.0.0.1 vis1.sexlist.com
127.0.0.1 vis2.sexlist.com
127.0.0.1 vis3.sexlist.com
127.0.0.1 vis4.sexlist.com
127.0.0.1 vis5.sexlist.com
127.0.0.1 visit.referralware.com
127.0.0.1 visite.weborama.fr
127.0.0.1 VNU.eu-adcenter.net
127.0.0.1 w0.extreme-dm.com
127.0.0.1 w113.hitbox.com
127.0.0.1 w117.hitbox.com
127.0.0.1 w25.hitbox.com
127.0.0.1 web2.deja.com
127.0.0.1 webads.bizservers.com
127.0.0.1 weblist.de
127.0.0.1 webpdp.gator.com
127.0.0.1 webxprod.qualcomm.com
127.0.0.1 www.12traffic.de
127.0.0.1 www.1for1.com
127.0.0.1 www.3turtles.com
127.0.0.1 www.404errorpage.com
127.0.0.1 www.7adpower.com
127.0.0.1 www.7host.com
127.0.0.1 www.activeannonce.com
127.0.0.1 www.adbucks.com
127.0.0.1 www.adexit.com
127.0.0.1 www.adexit.de
127.0.0.1 www.adforce.com
127.0.0.1 www.admex.com
127.0.0.1 www.adnetz.net
127.0.0.1 www.adserver.com
127.0.0.1 www.adserver.net
127.0.0.1 www.adsmart.com
127.0.0.1 www.adsmart.net
127.0.0.1 www.adultbizvoice.com
127.0.0.1 www.adultclicks.com
127.0.0.1 www.ad-up.com
127.0.0.1 www.adverity.com
127.0.0.1 www.adverlead.com
127.0.0.1 www.adverline.com
127.0.0.1 www.adverline.fr
127.0.0.1 www.advertising.com
127.0.0.1 www.advertwizard.com
127.0.0.1 www.adviews-sponsor.de
127.0.0.1 www.alexchiu.com
127.0.0.1 www.alladvantage.com
127.0.0.1 www.allclicks.com
127.0.0.1 www.amateur-galleries.com
127.0.0.1 www.amazingpops.com
127.0.0.1 www.bannerads.de
127.0.0.1 www.beseen.com
127.0.0.1 www.bfast.com
127.0.0.1 www.boonsolutions.com
127.0.0.1 www.brutalextreme.com
127.0.0.1 www.burstnet.com
127.0.0.1 www.cash1x1.de
127.0.0.1 www.cash2002.de
127.0.0.1 www.cash4banner.com
127.0.0.1 www.cash4banner.de
127.0.0.1 www.cashcount.com
127.0.0.1 www.cashfiesta.com
127.0.0.1 www.cashradio.com
127.0.0.1 www.cashsurfers.com
127.0.0.1 www.casinoglamour.com
127.0.0.1 www.cellularphones.com
127.0.0.1 www.cibleclick.com
127.0.0.1 www.cj.com
127.0.0.1 www.click2sexy.com
127.0.0.1 www.click-fr.com
127.0.0.1 www.clickxchange.com
127.0.0.1 www.clictrafic.com
127.0.0.1 www.coinpromo.com
127.0.0.1 www.cometcursor.com
127.0.0.1 www.cometsystems.net
127.0.0.1 www.commission-junction.com
127.0.0.1 www.cr4.com
127.0.0.1 www.crazypopups.com
127.0.0.1 www.crxwarez.net
127.0.0.1 www.cydoor.com
127.0.0.1 www.daz.com
127.0.0.1 www.dgm2.com
127.0.0.1 www.directvalue.nl
127.0.0.1 www.drawnsex.com
127.0.0.1 www.eads.com
127.0.0.1 www.e-bannerx.com
127.0.0.1 www.eclic.net
127.0.0.1 www.fastclick.net
127.0.0.1 www.fastmetasearch.com
127.0.0.1 www.flycast.co.uk
127.0.0.1 www.flycast.com
127.0.0.1 www.found404.com
127.0.0.1 www.fpctraffic.com
127.0.0.1 www.free-banners.com
127.0.0.1 www.freeezinebucks.com
127.0.0.1 www.freestats.com
127.0.0.1 www.frontpagecash.com
127.0.0.1 www.fuck-portal.com
127.0.0.1 www.gamingclub.com
127.0.0.1 www.gator.co.uk
127.0.0.1 www.gator.com
127.0.0.1 www.gator.net
127.0.0.1 www.genhit.com
127.0.0.1 www.getsearches.com
127.0.0.1 www.gopopup.com
127.0.0.1 www.greetingwishes.com
127.0.0.1 www.grokster.com
127.0.0.1 www.hardcorepornos.org
127.0.0.1 www.hightrafficads.com
127.0.0.1 www.hit-parade.com
127.0.0.1 www.hitsme.com
127.0.0.1 www.imaginemedia.com
127.0.0.1 www.lastconsole.com
127.0.0.1 www.linkshare.com
127.0.0.1 www.liveadvert.com
127.0.0.1 www.lo-litas.com
127.0.0.1 www.looksmartclicks.com
127.0.0.1 www.lop.com
127.0.0.1 www.lottoforever.com
127.0.0.1 www.mediaplex.com
127.0.0.1 www.megacash.de
127.0.0.1 www.milfhunter.com
127.0.0.1 www.modchip.com
127.0.0.1 www.mod-chip.com
127.0.0.1 www.money4exit.de
127.0.0.1 www.my-stats.com
127.0.0.1 www.netbroadcaster.com
127.0.0.1 www.netdirect.nl
127.0.0.1 www.netflip.com
127.0.0.1 www.netgravity.com
127.0.0.1 www.newtopsites.com
127.0.0.1 www.nic.co.il
127.0.0.1 www.nudelinkz.com
127.0.0.1 www.oneandonlynetwork.com
127.0.0.1 www.onresponse.com
127.0.0.1 www.paidpopup.de
127.0.0.1 www.paypopup.com
127.0.0.1 www.piratos.de
127.0.0.1 www.popdown.de
127.0.0.1 www.popupad.net
127.0.0.1 www.popuptraffic.com
127.0.0.1 www.PostMasterBannerNet.com
127.0.0.1 www.prepaidliving.com
127.0.0.1 www.qksrv.net
127.0.0.1 www.qualityhitz.com
127.0.0.1 www.qualypromos.com
127.0.0.1 www.radiate.com
127.0.0.1 www.radiofreecash.com
127.0.0.1 www.rankyou.com
127.0.0.1 www.reference-sexe.com
127.0.0.1 www.sbee.com
127.0.0.1 www.sbvr.com
127.0.0.1 www.searchtraffic.com
127.0.0.1 www.service-url.de
127.0.0.1 www.sexfranco.com
127.0.0.1 www.sexfreelist.com
127.0.0.1 www.sexlist.com
127.0.0.1 www.sexspy.com
127.0.0.1 www.sexstudio24.de
127.0.0.1 www.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 www.sextraffic.org
127.0.0.1 www.sexyfreehost.com
127.0.0.1 www.sexyplugin.com
127.0.0.1 www.simplecounter.net
127.0.0.1 www.slutzoo.com
127.0.0.1 www.sonixwarez.com
127.0.0.1 www.sponsor2002.de
127.0.0.1 www.targetshop.com
127.0.0.1 www.techiwarehouse.com
127.0.0.1 www.teknosurf.com
127.0.0.1 www.teknosurf2.com
127.0.0.1 www.teknosurf3.com
127.0.0.1 www.theadultwire.com
127.0.0.1 www.topwarez-fr.com
127.0.0.1 www.toys-galleries.com
127.0.0.1 www.trafficbox.net
127.0.0.1 www.trafficmonetizer.com
127.0.0.1 www.unionwarez.com
127.0.0.1 www.valueclick.com
127.0.0.1 www.valuesponsor.com
127.0.0.1 www.warez33.com
127.0.0.1 www.warezfield.com
127.0.0.1 www.web3000.co.uk
127.0.0.1 www.web3000.com
127.0.0.1 www.webads.nl
127.0.0.1 www.webferret.com
127.0.0.1 www.webhancer.com
127.0.0.1 www.webhancer.net
127.0.0.1 www.weblist.de
127.0.0.1 www.websitefinancing.com
127.0.0.1 www.wedoo.com
127.0.0.1 www.win24.de
127.0.0.1 www.wingowin.com
127.0.0.1 www.wtlive.com
127.0.0.1 www.xiti.com
127.0.0.1 www.xpostx.com
127.0.0.1 www.xxxdisplay.com
127.0.0.1 www.xxxteenclub.de
127.0.0.1 www.youmakemoney.com
127.0.0.1 www.zeloop.net
127.0.0.1 www2.burstnet.com
127.0.0.1 www2.consumercreditusa.com
127.0.0.1 www3.netgravity.com
127.0.0.1 www4.netgravity.com
127.0.0.1 www4.trix.net
127.0.0.1 www80.valueclick.com
127.0.0.1 xads.infospace.com
127.0.0.1 xads.zedo.com
127.0.0.1 z.extreme-dm.com
127.0.0.1 z0.extreme-dm.com
127.0.0.1 z1.extreme-dm.com
127.0.0.1 zac.netgravity.com
# Start of entries inserted by Spybot - Search & Destroy
# End of entries inserted by Spybot - Search & Destroy
# End of entries inserted by Spybot - Search & Destroy

[dodecahedron]

yep.
you do use Spybot, and have added the Spybot hosts list to your hosts file in the past.
but things are a bit messed up, according to the last 3 lines.

basically all the servers listed there, with 127.0.0.1 before them, will be inaccessible to you. some are malicious stuff, some are ad servers.

you can try in Spybot to click on the button "Remove Spybot's hosts list". but that might not work because of the mess up i mentioned.

you can manually (with notepad) edit the file, leaving only the first 2 lines seen in the code you posed above. then you'll again have access to all the malicous and ad websites.

[BuddhaTB]

Well Dodecahedron, is there anyway to add/remove the servers I need to get Bensbargain website working properly without allowing all of the malicious sites to be off the list?

[dodecahedron]

well, if you see a banner that is blocked there, right click it, properties, and look at the URL. try to see what that server is. then look for it in the hosts file. add a # before it to comment out that line and thus make that server available to you.

you'll probably need to do this a few times (for all the add severers that site uses.

[BuddhaTB]

I was able to get some of the links working now!

But how do you find out the server for such links as the following?
http://bensbargains.net/cgi-bin/ep.cgi?278580
(It's supposed to lead to ecost.com)

Thanks for the help so far!