Strnge HOST file happenings

[Bozo]

I have been downloading and installing a modified HOST file from http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm for some time now.

It has always worked great. But, last week I got some e-mails from Intel that contained some links to tech support. None of the links worked. Intel resent the e-mail and still none of the links worked. Then a couple of other e-mails showed up with the company logos missing.
I loaded, reloaded everything I could think of. I tried alternative e-mail programs. I remove all MS patches that had anyting to do with Outlook Express.
Finally, I did a clean install of XP on a separate hard drive. Setup the e-mail accounts (the Intel links worked fine, and the company logos showed up) and then started to load one program at a time and test the e-mail from Intel. When I installed the modified HOST file, the links in the Intel e-mail stopped working.
I didn't think the HOST file would have any effect on e-mails, but apparently it does. The e-mails must connect to the internet when you open them. The company logo parts anyway. Strange.
I really like using the modified HOST file. It reduced the amount of crap on my system by a good 80%. But...not when it starts affecting normal progams.

Bozo :joker:

 

[ddrueding]

I used to use a hosts file before Firefox/AdBlock came around; I haven't had a need for one since.

All you need to do to fix it is find out what IPs the links/logos point to and delete those lines from the hosts file; this is a really easy thing to do.

 

[Bozo]

Digging through the HOST file web site, I found a batch file that renames the host file. Then it becomes inactive. Run the batch file a second time and it renames it back to HOST. Works like a champ.
I found the host file 'fix' very effective in Firefox too.

Bozo :joker: