How to Block Malware Websites From Infecting Your Computer

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By romian1
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (3 Ratings)

Even if you have removed malware or any other type of viruses, how do you prevent this from happening again? Many times, you don't see the malware being downloaded to your computer. You may be unsure which popup you clicked accidentally took you to another website or automatically installed a virus program. Hackers have found ways around the popup blockers and can certainly defeat anti-virus software and firewalls. There are ways to prevent malware from infecting your computer. Blocking malware is one method. Here's how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Computer with running Windows
Internet access

Step 1

Find list of rogue websites. Resources are below. As you can see, there are a few hundred malware (malicious software). For the purpose of demonstration, we will focus on the blocking Windows Security Suite and Antivirus System Pro sites.

Note: Computer virus and other types such as malware are sometimes used interchangeably.
Step 2

Editing the Hosts file in Windows is one way to block any sites known to install adware, malware, hijackers, spyware, porn, and other nasty stuff. Hosts files maps IP addresses to host names before a DNS server performs the mapping. You can block access to a specific site before a connection is made to your computer.
Step 3

Use the resource below to find the specific site to block. For example, if Windows Security Suite is causing you problems find the site that is the source. Resources on the Antivirus System Pro site to block is included. For other malware sites to block, do a search within the same site. You must have the correct name of the malware. Many malware have similar names so it can be easy to confuse one malicious program with another.
Step 4

In Windows' My Computer or Windows Explorer, go to the "etc" folder depending on your version of Windows:
Windows Vista = C:\WINDOWS\systems32\drivers\etc
Windows XP = C:\WINDOWS\ systems32\drivers\etc
Windows 2K = C:\WINNT\ systems32\drivers\etc
Step 5

In the etc folder, you will see the Hosts file. Before you make any changes, make a copy of Hosts within the same folder. For example, copy and paste the file, Hosts. You can call it "copy of Hosts".
Step 6

Double click on Hosts. Windows will not know which program to use to open Hosts. Hosts is a text file so any text editor can be used to open the file. If you see the "Open With" window popup, select the program "Notepad".
Step 7

After the line that says "127.0.0.1 localhost", add another line that says "127.0.0.1" a space and the name of the website. Don't add "http". Continue to add more sites to block in the same manner. Shown is an example.
Step 8

After you have completed the list, save the hosts file.
Step 9

One way to see if it the changes works is if the a website (legitimate or suspect) takes you to one of these rogue website. You should see a blank webpage instead.
Step 10

If you computer is infected with a rogue software go to the eHow article, How to Remove Windows Security Suite Virus. The resource is below. The article is really generic and can be use for other malware, not just Windows Security Suite.

Comments

soanyway said

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on 11/15/2009 We just got a malware and it was very nasty! could not use the computer at all. They wanted $ to buy their virus protection. Our computer guy said they make billions a year on unsuspecting people buying their protection just so they can use their computers! They wipe out your bank accounts. This makes me really sad...especially for seniors that have no idea that this is BAD! and not to do it. Thanks for the tips. I have recommn' d you, pay it forward to all! ;-)

alltrails said

on 11/1/2009 Terrific article on how to block malware websites from infecting your computer. These things are such a pain. Very well-written and detailed instructions. 5 stars - thanks!