Hosts File - problem?

I have just run the 'READ ME' scans, etc., because this laptop runs so slowly.

Nothing nasty found, BUT ... I tried to run the Driver Scanner and got a message that it couldn't run, because of a problem (unspecified) with the HOSTS file.

As a naive user, but one who can follow idiot-level instructions, how do I find out what the problem is, and deal with it, please?

 

I would have to know what the program wanted to do with the hosts file. You could post your hosts file here and we could give it a look.

\%system%\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

 

Thanks for offering to help. How do I get at the Hosts file? The ordinary file-searches I know of don't find anything

 

go to c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc and the hosts file should be there.

 

Thankies - HOSTS file follows:-

 

That folder is hidden from the user by default but can be unhidden in Folder Options.

EDIT - OK, done

 

OK - now I feel a real fool!

We have 3 computers here in a LAN. The one I was trying to sort out was the laptop. When I got a reply asking to see the HOSTS file, I was delighted at such prompt attention, immediately copied out the file, and shot back a reply.

About 3 am, later, wide awake, and thinking things over, I realised - I had been sat at my desktop at the time!! - Idiot:-o

Now, this posting is from the laptop - and search as I may, no HOSTS file can I find. I followed the path suggested, no luck. I also set to Show Hidden and System files, and did a search. No luck that way either. (I have set the folder Options back to normal).

Sorry if I've caused anyone any unnecessary work by my carelessness.

If possible, I would still like to straighten up the HOSTS file on this laptop - hopefully without making any more silly mistakes!

 

I don't know what you have going on there, I'm surprised the scans didn't find anything.

Your hosts file should look like this;

# Copyright (c) 1993-1999 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host

127.0.0.1 localhost



And see and run the tool from MS to reset;

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/972034

:wave:wave

 

For the sake of understanding..., what happens when other entries are in this file?

purpose of the file is a reference? or? thanks

 

It can be used to block advertising and unwanted web sites. But it is the target of attack of malware and I have never seen a hosts file the size of the OP's, that's why I was surprised the malware scans were clean.

The one I posted is off this computer and is what is almost always seen. The OP had a ton of redirects back to local host. I have no idea how that occurred, but I also doubt if that is the cause of the computer's performance, but it is a start. :wave

 

The OP posted only host names blocked by Spybot S&D. May have cleared recent cache.
@DaveRm. What OS are you running on? What are the hard ware specs, CPU, RAM installed? How much space is free on the Hard drive?
Here's a link to go through: http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=106650

Is teatimer for Spybot enabled. I've never used SB S&D but users on MG did not recommend enabling Teatimer.

The way I understand your original post, is that the Lappy is slow. Not the net, but for your issue running the driver scanner.

Cheers

Sorry Halo, did not see you in the house LOL

 

I didn't know spybot added all those entries to the host file, don't use it personally, prefer to rely on safe surfing practices.
Now I know, thanks!
Also glad you compacted that into a file, took forever to scroll through this thread.
Still doubt if this is cause of slow performance.

Following seas to you!

 

Frankly, you got a lot of entries related to porn and what looks like some malware attacks.

honestly, run Malwarebytes and get that sucker clean.

 

Fair enough, just another reason why I do not like nor use Spybot. It's ultra intrusive and usually I've found corrupts things over time.

 

OK - I think I've established - no, you've established (Thanks guys) that there isn't any malware running. I'm pretty sure the main reason for slow running is the spec - details below.

As to suggestions for anti-malware, etc., thankies for suggestions, I'll read them in more detail, later, and work out what seems best way to go.

===================

Spec

Acer Travelmate 4233WLMi

OS - Vista Home Premium - SP2

CPU Intel Core(TM)2 T5500 @ 1.66GHz 1.67 GHz

Memory 1.00 GB

32 bit

Hard drive 35.0 GB Free of 70.7 GB

Drive D - 69.8 GB Free of 70.4 GB

=====================

Hope that makes sense! I fear I am not a techie - I used to be, long long ago. If you ever need anyone to deal with a NCR 500 computer from 1964 - I'm your man!! modern machines, I'm lost on!

Once again, thanks everybody who has chipped in with help/advice/comment - much appreciated