How to Block MySpace

MySpace has its time and place. However, you may decide that its place is anywhere other than on your computer. Fortunately, there are easy ways to block access to it. Follow these steps to find out how.

Instructions

Block MySpace Using Your Hosts File

1. Click the "Start" button to access your computer's "Start" menu.

2. Click "Run" on the "Start" menu.

3. Type "notepad percentsystemroot percent\system32\drivers\etc\hosts" into the prompt box. Click "OK."

4. Find the last line of text in this document.

5. Type "0.0.0.0" on a new line. Click tab and type "myspace.com" on the same line.

6. Click "File" on the navigation bar and choose "Save" from the drop-down box.

7. Reboot your computer to apply the changes you've made.

8. Visit the MySpace Web site to make sure you have successfully blocked it on your computer (see Resources below).

Block MySpace on Internet Explorer

1. Click "Tools" in your browser window. Select "Internet Options" on the drop-down box.

2. Click the "Privacy" tab.

3. Click the "Sites" button. Type "www.myspace.com" in the "Address of Web site" field.

4. Click the "Block" button.

5. Open your Internet Explorer browser.

6. Type "www.myspace.com" in the address bar of your Internet Explorer browser to make sure MySpace is blocked.

Block Communication From a Single MySpace User

1. Visit the MySpace Web site. Enter your username and password and click the "Login" button to access your account.

2. Go to the "My Friends Space" section of your account page. Click the photo of the person you wish to block.

3. Click the "Block User" link on the person's profile.

4. Click "Home" on the navigation bar to go back to your account.

5. Click the "Account Settings" link.

6. Click the "Change Settings" link that corresponds with the "Privacy Settings" selection.

7. Click the "My Friends Only" radio button to make your profile viewable to your friends only.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're a parent concerned about personal information your child has posted on the Internet and his or her safety, take a look at the MySpace FAQ page for information about removing a minor's account.

• Some firewalls allow users to block particular Web sites. If you have a firewall on your computer, check to see if it has this capability.

• Keep in mind that blocking MySpace may not be 100-percent effective. Many determined users have found ways to get around MySpace blocks, including using proxies to access the site.