funbangladesh

Is this OK now???

Looks like you got it - the PING entry details is the correct response that you were looking for.

HijackThis should be able to tell that there are approximately 10,000 entries in the HOSTS file. Test the following additional entries to make sure (if you want). Response should be likewise 127.0.0.1:

www.gator.com
webhitcounter.com


Could you explain what finally worked for you (for the benefit of others) if you would.

Result of ping command as requested. I suppose it's OK.

Microsoft Windows XP [Version 5.1.2600]
(C) Copyright 1985-2001 Microsoft Corp.

C:\>ping gator.com

Pinging gator.com [127.0.0.1] with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 127.0.0.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Reply from 127.0.0.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Reply from 127.0.0.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Reply from 127.0.0.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128

Ping statistics for 127.0.0.1:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 0ms, Maximum = 0ms, Average = 0ms

C:\>ping webhitcounter.com

Pinging webhitcounter.com [127.0.0.1] with 32 bytes of data:

Reply from 127.0.0.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Reply from 127.0.0.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Reply from 127.0.0.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
Reply from 127.0.0.1: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128

Ping statistics for 127.0.0.1:
Packets: Sent = 4, Received = 4, Lost = 0 (0% loss),
Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:
Minimum = 0ms, Maximum = 0ms, Average = 0ms

C:\>

Now let's see what I did!

Searched for Ms Hosts file in Google.

Downloaded a zip file and saved it in drive D (a partition from C:\)

Then searched for HOSTS file in C drive and (amongst others) there was the famous C:\WINDOWS\System32\Drives\Etc and saved the extracted zip file to it.

That was it. What I was doing wrong was that I didn't quite understand what have I to do with this file and then when I figured out exactly what I had to do then it was plain sailing.

Another misunderstanding on my part was that the "etc" folder in windows was a real folder and not just the etc as we are normally used to. When I realised that it was an actual folder then I saved to it.

Thanks for the clarification - I now see where a misunderstanding could occur.

THANKS a lot for helping me out. I would have never done it on my own for sure.

As you posted me some time back I'll wait for some more days and then I can download SP2. Would that be OK? Or it would cause me more trouble than it is worth cos I've heard that sometimes it is not worth it.

Thanks once again.

Generally, loading SP2 on a CLEAN SYSTEM is very advisable. I am not personally aware of a bad SP2 update on a seemingly 'clean system'.

Suggest you re-run all your scans as a prudent precaution prior to a SP2 update.

One last (I hope) query:

Is PC freezing a bad sign, malware or somthin'? Cos recently it has been doing it quite often.

I would really want to sort that out, whatever it is. You could have flakey memory or a power supply problem, etc, as well as the usual suspects to consider.

I wouldn't want to go near SP2 with any such wildcard yet to be resolved. You want to have several days of clear stability before you do and preferably 'ALL CLEAR' scans.

Then I have a new problem to deal with

OK then back to work...

Re the HOSTS file I believe that if a new malware site is encountered it has to be updated. Is that so?

Re the HOSTS file I believe that if a new malware site is encountered it has to be updated.

YES, all the HOST file content sources are generally updated on a weekly basis.

I generally update it on a monthly basis since many of the new entries are often quite obscure in my opinion. You may choose to update more often.

If I may ask: how do I update the HOSTS file or just follow instructions to upload a new one from their HELP site id I have anything to upload?

how do I update the HOSTS file

Highlight the previously pasted contents starting at:
#start of lines added by WinHelp2002 (or everything after the line: 127.0.0.1 localhost)


to the end of the document and delete.

Paste the revised HOSTS contents in its place.

Thanks and Greetings for the Happy Season.

May you and your PC have a peaceful holiday season.