How Do I Block a Website?

Website blocking allows you to restrict access to inappropriate Internet pages or malignant sites that attempt to install spyware or viruses on your computer. Windows XP/Vista has a configuration network-system file named "hosts." To block a website simply add its address to that system file. Website blocking will affect any web browser you use, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox and others.

Instructions

Universal Method for All Web Browsers

1. Log on to an administrator account in Windows Vista/XP and click "Start." Click "Run" (only in Windows XP).

2. Type "notepad" and press "Enter" to open the text editor.

3. In Notepad, click the menu "File" and choose "Open." Browse to "C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc."

4. Type "hosts" in the field "File name" and click "Open." The content of the file "hosts" will appear in Notepad.

5. Add the following line at the end of the "hosts" file:

   "127.0.0.1 website address"

   For instance, "127.0.0.1 www.university.com."

6. Add any other websites to the blocking list by repeating Step 5.

7. In Notepad, click the menu "File" and "Save" to save the "hosts" file. Then click "File" and "Exit."

8. Click "Start" and select "Restart" to reboot your computer.

In Internet Explorer

1. Log in to a user account in Windows Vista/XP and open Internet Explorer.

2. Click the menu "Tools and Internet Options," then select the tab "Content."

3. Click the "Settings" button under "Content Advisor." Type a password and click the button "OK."

4. Select the"Approved Sites" tab in the Content Advisor window.

5. Type the address (URL) of the website you wish to block in the field, and click the button "Never." Click the button "OK." Then click the button "OK" again to close the Internet option window.

References

• "Using the Windows Hosts File" Computer Education
• "Internet Explorer 8, Illustrated Essentials", Katherine T. Pinard, Course Technology; Jun 2009.