host files win 10

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bgreenage
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Joined: December 8th, 2003, 3:18 am
Location: philadelphia,Pa

host files win 10

Post by bgreenage »

I have several host files that were created. How I don't know. I'm not sure if it's safe to reset them following the microsoft directions How to reset the Hosts file back to the default.https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/hel ... he-default. Can I just edit them leaving the folder empty? Are there any risks and working with these files to reset or edit out.
kerft
Posts: 585
Joined: January 30th, 2019, 9:38 am

Re: host files win 10

Post by kerft »

It is safe to take the hosts files and move them out of that folder and keep them somewhere else. Hosts files are mainly used now for adblock and malware block, to prevent connections to certain servers. Some antimalware software, especially spybot, would create them. There are a few rarer cases where you could need them, for example accessing your router or security camera or even another networked computer with a name like doorcam.com instead of an IP, or substituting a service with another one, like if a game server was shut down but someone had a replacement, the hosts could point to the new one. So, in case something unusual like that is needed, don't delete the files, just move them where they won't be used.
If they were being used to protect privacy, replace them with good filters in an adblocker.
Brummelchen
Posts: 4480
Joined: March 19th, 2005, 10:51 am

Re: host files win 10

Post by Brummelchen »

i would leave it blank or filled with default (ms) text which is not much.
moving away and left none is no good idea. keeping it blank then setting it system/read only and reduce access rights is best. at least modifying it need changed rights, reverse it.

mine is filed from https://hosts-file.net/?s=Download and http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
kerft
Posts: 585
Joined: January 30th, 2019, 9:38 am

Re: host files win 10

Post by kerft »

I agree that adding a blank file or one with the default text is better.
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