Software-free ad removal (WXP-Pro)

[SiLeNcE2150]

A while ago, I found a way to stop ads from appearing while surfing the web. That included popups as well as banner ads.

The way it worked was a .txt file in a windows system folder told the computer a list of about 300 - 400 ad servers, and redirected the computer to the IP 127.0.0.1 when trying to access those servers.

After reformatting, I am now plagued by popups and ads and I can't find that tweak anywhere now. I am hoping someone here knows what I'm talking about and can help.

[Andy-S]

I believe you are talking about your hosts file. This thread may be helpful:

<a target="_blank" href=http://www.winguides.com/forums/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Board=brdNewTweaks&Number=93 349&Search=true&Forum=All_Forums&Words=hosts%20fil e&Match=or&Searchpage=0&Limit=20&Old=1year&Main=73 023>Hosts File thread</a>

Cheers
Andy

[motoflop]

The file is \windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts.

And by the way, do not redirect those servers to 127.0.0.1 but instead to 127.0.0.0. Address 127.0.0.1 is valid and might cause delays your browsing. Address 127.0.0.0 is invalid and IE will just discard any access to sites routed to this address.