hosts file unaccessible this week, was ok for past 2 yrs

after a format, i cant access the hosts file except in safe mode - and that is a pain for routine maintenance. i have read some entries here that are very close but dont address my circumstances. i have run adaware, ewido (ver 3.5 and 4.0), spybot14, cwshredder, hijack this(log only contains vid card, a/v, a sound card entry, and my firewall - thats all and they are not malicious), a2-squared, spyware doctor, syysweeper, and trojan hunter - no results. i have been able to edit/update hosts for a few years now, then this problem shows up. additionally, i cant send any filez out to anyone using mirc,polaris, or invision. i have power cycled my cable modem and my router, and no solution has been found, truthfully i think its something to do with windows, but i will consider your comments and they are appreciated.
p.s i use mvps.org for my downloads and have d/l this file 5-6 times, so i am reluctant to think its a bad version

 

What exactly is your problem? Why are you trying to modify the HOSTS file?

 

i was trying to comment out a website reference...again i have done this everytime i load a new hosts file - i format religiously every 2-3 months, so i have performed this operation many times. i can do what i want in safemode and i can do the comment out part just fine but when i go to save it, i get the error, i have also used Hoster to try this as well but get the same results. i hope this clarifies the issue for you. sorry i didnt explain in my first post

 

I have to ask, why do you format every 2-3 months?

Do you have anything like Spy Sweeper or any other antispyware application running?

 

i format to get rid of any trash/crap/wanker software that may have snuck by me. this is a habit i began back in the late 90's and continue it today. my system does not exhibit strange behavior, thus making making this a viable solution ( i was trying to preseve approx 200 mp3cd's - loading them is a 2 day pain). it is a preference and i am sure that you have some preferences that you execute to make you feel better. there is nothing like a format/zerofill to make me feel good about the status of my system. btw i havent had any viral infections and no malware except cookies and i clean them approx 5-6 times per day. i just like to format...its like takin a shower, it just makes me feel better. in fact you can close this post casue i a preparing to do a zerofill format tonite so if there is something weird on my disk, i will kill it and that too gives me pleasure...i despise wankers tryin to mess with my system. one week ago i formatted both of my systems and the other one works fine, and i used the same software disk to reinstall all of my stuff, so something has happened to this system and a good ole zerofill will fix whatever it may be.tks for your help but i have a good handle on it now...shoot the mosquito with a shotgun, it still kills the mosquito!!! and finally, linux is next, i know it is not impervious to malware but is is way better than winders!!! mahalo and aloha

 

mmmk