What is Hosts File and How to Use It?

What is it?

Hosts file is system-file used to assign internet protocols to domains. It can only found in the system of Windows: NT/XP. Vista and Windows 7 are not confirmed.

This file doesn’t have any extensions, it’s just a “file”. Its directory is %sysroot%/system32/drivers/etc/(hosts.)

%SysRoot% means the driver which contains files of your operating system; and sometimes  additionally the Windows folder too. This means if you installed the Windows on C:, the system root can be: “C:”, “C:/Windows” or “C:/Windows/system32/*”.

Using the hosts file

For every entry you have to start a new line.

If you want to block the traffic at http://msn.com, you have to write the following text:

127.0.0.1 http://msn.com /notes like in all C languages.

This will cause 4-5 sec waiting time for your browser, but the requested site(s) do(es) not appear. There will be an error message: “Could not connect within the time limit.”

This file can help us of blocking any content: advertisements, 18+ content, & much more! It works with any kind of website.

Written by Dark Antirex, 2009.