How to Block Certain Websites From Working

Block certain websites from your computer.

If you are concerned about keeping your computer safe from hackers and malware, or if you want to make sure family members or employees do not access certain websites, you can block specific websites from working on your computers. Blocking a website does not require a high level of Web or general computer expertise; however, it is important that instructions are followed exactly. Otherwise, you could alter the way your Internet operates.

Instructions

From the Hard Drive

1. Click the "Start" button and select "Run" if you are using Windows XP. Type "notepad c:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts" into the "Open" box. If you use Windows 7 or Vista, click "Start" and type "notepad c:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts" into the "Start Search" box and select "Enter." A notepad window will open.

2. Click just below the last line of the document.

3. Type the following:

   "127.0.0.1 website.com"

   Replace "website.com" with the actual name of the site you want to block. Do not include the quotation marks.

4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 as many times as you need until you enter all of the websites you want to block.

5. Press "Ctrl" and "S" to save your document. Close the document. You now have blocked certain websites from working on your computer.

In Internet Explorer

1. Open "Internet Explorer."

2. Click "Tools." Select "Internet Options."

3. Click the "Content" tab and select "Enable" under "Content Advisor."

4. Click the "Approved Sites" tab.

5. Enter the name of a website you want to block and click the "Never" button. Repeat this step as many times as necessary. Click "OK" when finished. You now have blocked websites in Internet Explorer.

References

• Digital Inspiration: How Parents Can Block Certain Websites From Children at Home
• The Parents Edge: Block a Website With Content Advisor

Resources

• Kids Health: Internet Safety