Computer and Software Support


Host file

To modify the host file in an attempt to fix a suspected spyware issue, do the following.

  1. Navigate to My Computer
  2. Double-click on Local Disk (C:) See Note Below
  3. Double-click on Windows See Note Below
  4. Double-click on System32 See Note Below
  5. Double-click on Drivers
  6. Double-click on etc
  7. Verify that there is 5 files (hosts, 1mhosts, services, networks, protocol) (might be under C:\windows for Win98 and WinME)
  8. Delete any extra HOSTS files found
  9. If the Host file is missing, create one by Double-clicking on the Networks file to open it.
  10. Open the host file in Notepad or Wordpad
  11. Highlight everything listed
  12. Press the Delete key
  • Enter 127.0.0.1 localhost (there is a space between the 1 and local host)
  • Click on File
  • Click on Save As
  • change file name to host
  • Click on Save
  • Close Notepad or Wordpad
  • Double-click on the HOSTS file
  • Open the file with Notepad or Wordpad
  • Remove any entry other than 127.0.0.1 localhost
  • Close all windows

    • NOTE: If you get the following message...

    These files are hidden.

    This folder contains files that keep your system working properly. You should not modify its contents

    Show the contents of this folder

    Click on Show the contents of this folder