How to Use a Hosts File in Windows

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Visit http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm and download the file "hosts.zip".

   Extract this zip file to your desktop.
2. 2

   Step 2: locate your HOSTS file.

   The hosts file is located in different places depending on your Windows version.
   
   For XP it is located in the C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC directory.
   
   For 2000 it is located in the C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC or C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC folder, depending on the nature of your Windows install. , Windows will ask you if you wish to overwrite the existing file.
   
   Choose "Yes".
   
   Many advertising sites and known spyware sites are now being blocked.
3. 3

   Step 3: Copy the file "hosts" from the extracted zip file by right clicking on it and selecting "copy" and then paste it in the directory listed above.

Detailed Guide

About the Author