MVPS Hosts Discussions, Q&A

[ky331]

Important Note (from the author, who is the "I" who is speaking below):

The HOSTS file contains a change in the prefix mechanism used in the HOSTS entries, to "0.0.0.0" instead of the usual "127.0.0.1".

This was done to resolve a slowdown issue with the new Win8.1/IE11 and the HOSTS file.

I'm not sure what Microsoft changed in the new version, although I suspect it has something to do with the new "TCP loopback interface" in Win8.1 ... this change in the prefix should not affect users.

I've had some feedback from COMODO antivirus, Homer Webserver and System Mechanic, which seem to have issues with the "0.0.0.0" prefix ... to resolve this issue:   You can use the "Replace" function in Notepad to convert the entries back.

[Jasper The Rasper]

The MVPS HOSTS file was recently updated [July-08-2014]
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm

Download: hosts.zip (131 kb)
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.zip

How To: Download and Extract the HOSTS file
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts2.htm

HOSTS File - Frequently Asked Questions
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hostsfaq.htm

Note: the "text" version makes a great resource for determining possible unwanted connections ...
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.txt (498 kb)

http://msmvps.com/blogs/hostsnews/

[siljaline]

Updated August 20 2014
Please note that the Blog is down as is the information we would include with a MVPS Hosts file announcement.
Download via MVPS Hosts

[siljaline]

The MVPS Blog is down until further notice. For those that are accustomed to announcing the Hosts file updates the way you have, this has  come to an end after some 15 years with my involvement with this project.

[siljaline]

Register for HOSTS File Update Notices

Folks ... the powers to be at msmvps.com have made a change in their blog software. They made the switch to WordPress, which does not have a option for (free) email notification when updates were posted. So unfortunately no update notices will be sent ...

At one point I was sending out the notices myself ... however at the time I had over 50k users and over 10k people on the email list. This became too much of a project and Comcast often complained. I'm still looking into alternatives ... however resources prevent me from using a big time paid program.

Quoted from:
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/updates.htm

[Corrine]

It seems that winhelp2002 has a found a place to provide updates.  We'll clean up this thread later to include just the updates but for now, here's the latest:

From Hosts News:

The MVPS HOSTS file was recently updated [September 30-2014]
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm

Download: hosts.zip (133 kb)
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.zip

How To: Download and Extract the HOSTS file
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts2.htm


HOSTS File - Frequently Asked Questions
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hostsfaq.htm


Note: the "text" version (506 kb) makes a great resource for determining possible unwanted connections ...
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.txt

If you find the MVPS HOSTS file useful ... please consider a donation ...
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm#donation

h/t siljaline

[siljaline]

Note that Hosts News has moved, please update your bookmarks.

[siljaline]

The Clean-Up hasn't happened yet, why ?

[Corrine]

Because I've been busy.

Beyond that, I've also hadn't asked your permission about using some of the information you posted elsewhere (with appropriate attribution of course). 

[winchester73]

You have a life beyond the various forums? Shame on you  :hysterical:

[siljaline]

LOLSTER, Corrine. There's a little know feature in SpywareBlaster called Hosts Safe - that allows you to save an encrypted backup of this or any customer Hosts file. Handy little devil.

Screencap will show.   

[Corrine]

New update thread completed with consolidated information so the only thing needed is information posted when there is a new update. 

@siljaline:  Thanks for allowing me to add your tip and image to the thread.

The new topic can be found here:  MVPS Hosts.  This thread available for discussion, questions, etc. about the MVPS HOSTS file.

[Corrine]

Bumping this old MVPS HOSTS File discussion topic to share the following from MVPS HOSTS file | Wilders Security Forums:

The MVPS HOSTS file has not been updated since 15 Dec 2020
See:
https://mvpshostsnews.blogspot.com/
https://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm
https://www.wilderssecurity.com/threads/mvps-hosts-file-update-15-dec-2020.435198/

I suppose all users know the severe health problems Mike is suffering from.
If you don't know, then look at:
https://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm

I'm now going to quote from there (and that is a quote from months ago):

Folks ... sorry for the delay (again) in getting out an update ... just got out of the Hospital ... I now have some severe health issues to deal with (complete Kidney failure ... need a Kidney transplant) plus another operation ... large needles inserted into my spine ...however I will try to better maintain the MVPS HOSTS file. Well just got back from Hospital again (excessive water in lungs)

If you could ... please consider a donation. Thanks to all that contributed ... every little bit helps.

@Corrine is trying to get in contact with Mike (winhelp2002).

From all of us to Mike: most heartfelt best wishes !!!

(and if all users could donate a little bit ...)

Yes, I did email Mike two days ago but have not heard back from him.  In the past, he has responded very quickly.

[ky331]

MVPS HOSTS File Updated March-06-2021