Hosts file ignored and replaced with hosts.original

[ShadowChaos]

Hello. I am trying to use the hosts file. However both pings and web addresses still bypass the hosts file. I noticed that there is another file in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc directory called 'hosts.original'. When ever I delete this file, it reappears seconds later. I have made sure that the hosts file is properly formed, using tabs and returns. Please advice. I have tried disabling AV and security. The programs that might be interfering: Kaspersky 2013 ,Malwarebyts, comodo firewall... Thank you!

 

[Callender]

Do you use a HOSTS file editor?

Are you using a HOSTS File Editor? Or just Notepad?

In any case the first thing to do is copy your original HOSTS file and rename it to HOSTS.old then you can mess about with your new HOSTS file.

The HOSTS file only blocks domain names and not ip addresses so if you use an ip address to connect the connection will succeed.

Comodo Firewall won't monitor changes to your hosts file but other security software could have been configured to block changes. You'd need to dig about in the settings.

You need admin rights in Noepad to edit the hosts file.

 

[MilesAhead]

If you think the AV stuff is interfering, turn it off. Edit your hosts file. See if something creates hosts.original again. From what you say the test should only take a few seconds.

 

[carwiz]

Also when you save the new file with Notepad, be sure to click on "All Files" for the file type otherwise, Notepad will save it as a txt file type which won't be read at boot. You did reboot after making changes, right?

 

[ShadowChaos]

Are you using a HOSTS File Editor? Or just Notepad?

In any case the first thing to do is copy your original HOSTS file and rename it to HOSTS.old then you can mess about with your new HOSTS file.

The HOSTS file only blocks domain names and not ip addresses so if you use an ip address to connect the connection will succeed.

Comodo Firewall won't monitor changes to your hosts file but other security software could have been configured to block changes. You'd need to dig about in the settings.

You need admin rights in Noepad to edit the hosts file.

Thank you for the response.
Would it be better to use a "hosts file editor"?

I have tried this procedure to no avail.

If you think the AV stuff is interfering, turn it off. Edit your hosts file. See if something creates hosts.original again. From what you say the test should only take a few seconds.

I tried disabling, and turning off all antivirus. No luck.
I will try uninstalling next.

Also when you save the new file with Notepad, be sure to click on "All Files" for the file type otherwise, Notepad will save it as a txt file type which won't be read at boot. You did reboot after making changes, right?

thanks for the response, Done. It didn't work but its good to know.

 

[ShadowChaos]

I got it so the hosts file is no longer being replaced with another file! However the computer still does not use the hosts file as verified by a ping command. I used another laptop similar to mine and was able to use the hosts file successfully.

 

[MilesAhead]

I got it so the hosts file is no longer being replaced with another file! However the computer still does not use the hosts file as verified by a ping command. I used another laptop similar to mine and was able to use the hosts file successfully.

Did you try flushing the dns cache and log off/log back on after editing the hosts file?

I've been searching but there seems to be conflicting info. One page claimed MS was bypassing the hosts file for its sites etc.. Strange.

 

[ShadowChaos]

I got it so the hosts file is no longer being replaced with another file! However the computer still does not use the hosts file as verified by a ping command. I used another laptop similar to mine and was able to use the hosts file successfully.

Did you try flushing the dns cache and log off/log back on after editing the hosts file?

I've been searching but there seems to be conflicting info. One page claimed MS was bypassing the hosts file for its sites etc.. Strange.

Interesting, I wonder if that is what is happening. As for dns, yes I tried flushing the cache.

 

[carwiz]

Post a snip of your host file with the area in question and the Windows Explorer screen showing folder ETC. Host file will block pings; I just tried it. You probably mistyped something.