How to Get Rid of Computer Hosts
Spyware has many clever ways of getting onto your computer, including some that are not easily detected. One of these ways is by use of the Internet Explorer Hosts file. This file is typically used to protect your computer from malicious websites, but can also be used by spyware to prevent your computer from going to any website. The key to fixing this is to get rid of computer hosts.
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Instructions
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Reboot your computer by going to "Start > Shutdown > Restart."
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Boot your computer into "Safe Mode" by pressing the "F8" key repeatedly at the first screen after booting up. Then select "Safe Mode" from the "Boot Options Menu" that appears.
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Log on as yourself in Safe Mode.
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Double-click the "My Computer" icon on your computer and then "C:". Navigate to "C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\."
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Open the "Hosts" file by right-clicking it and selecting "Open With..." and then open with "Notepad." The "Hosts" file appears on-screen.
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Select all entries that say "127.0.0.1 localhost" and press the "Backspace" key to remove the entries. Click "File > Save As" and select "All Files." Click "Save."
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Reboot your computer by going to "Start > Shutdown > Restart." Allow your PC to boot up normally. All unneeded computer hosts are now gone.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't mess with any of the other files within the System32 folder. System32 contains many critical files, so if one is deleted even accidentally, it can cripple the entire operating system. Never delete a file within this folder unless you are positive it is not needed.
