How Do I Update the Hosts File in Windows XP?

Microsoft Windows XP contains a file which maps Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to host names. When the operating system starts, this file is loaded into memory so that Windows can query the file prior to connecting to any Domain Name System (DNS) servers. Access to the sites listed in the "Hosts" file is prevented and any attempt to access one of them is redirected back the local computer. Apart from Internet Explorer, other applications are also be blocked from accessing the sites listed in the "Hosts" file. The "Hosts" file can also be used to block cookies and page counters. This file is easy to modify with just a little bit of computer knowledge.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows “Start” button to activate the Windows menu.

2. Click “My Computer” to open a list of hard drives on the system.

3. Double-click “Local Disk (C:).”

4. Double-click the “Windows” folder.

5. Double-click the “System32” folder.

6. Double-click the “Drivers” folder.

7. Double-click the “Etc.” folder.

8. Double-click the “Hosts” file. This opens the “Open With” dialog.

9. Scroll down, click “WordPad,” then click “OK.” This will open the “Hosts” file.

10. Make your "IP Address" and "Host Name" entry in the following format:

    102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
    38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host

11. Close the file. You will be asked whether you want to save the changes.

12. Click “Yes.”

Tips & Warnings

• Make any network or Internet entries into this file that you wish to keep the computer from accessing.

• No users will be able to access any site listed in this file.

References

• MVPS.org: Blocking Unwanted Parasites with Hosts File

Resources

• What is a Hosts file?