Windows 7: Browsers work for awhile then freeze. Host file is read then it's not.

All my browsers were freezing and crashing. I was getting the DNS 1012 error. I found out I was missing my host file. I added back the host file. Chrome and Internet explorer worked ok for a little while, then they started crashing again. I took off Chrome and replaced with Opera. Opera worked perfectly for a day and I thought my troubles were over. The next day, it started freezing and crashing and I am getting the DNS 1012 error again. If it's not recognizing the host file, why did Opera work so well for that one day. Also I noticed when I go to my embarqmail account, that's when the freezing really begins and then it affects other sites I go to after that. Help, I am ready to pull my hair out.

Must be because you restarted your computer.
Type sys into the start search box & choose system configuration & look under the Startup tab for a possible culprit.

You could try running Opera as a Standalone USB (portable) its self contained in its installation folder
download & instructions here
11.62 for Windows nothing is written to your registry & it should still work after a computer restart.
A portable browser cannot be the default browser & you have to create your own shortcut but its very easy to backup & to remove it from your PC just delete the Install folder.