How important is the 'hosts' system file in Windows XP?

Question

I recently was infected with malicious software called Security Master AV. I found a website that provides instructions on how to remove Security Master AV from your computer which I was able to do successfully. http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-security-master-av

The instructions found on the link above claim that Security Master AV makes a system file called 'hosts' corrupt. The file is found in the directory:
C:&#92;Windows&#92;System32&#92;Drivers&#92;etc&#92;
I tried to perform step 18 in the instructions but I could not delete the hosts file. I am also nervous about doing so because it is a system file and the download link for the Windows XP hosts file does not give me the same hosts file that my computer currently has (I know this because the files are not the same size). Do I even need to replace my computer's hosts file?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

The Hosts file 'resolves' an IP addresses to host names. This file is loaded into memory at start-up.
It's a bit like your own 'phone book' for the Internet.  Rather than doing a DNS lookup (to translate a website name into a numerical value i.e. their IP); you already have it in your 'hostfile'.  This saves time during browse sessions.
Windows checks this Hosts file before sending requests to the Internet, and can override an addresses on the DNS server (the actual Internet address of a website).
This prevents access to the listed sites by redirecting any connection attempts back to the local (your) machine. 
Another feature of the HOSTS file is its ability to block other applications from connecting to the Internet, provided the entry exists, which is what many malware items do.

Get this: "HOSTS file" (from mvps.org) which blocks evil webpage assets from re-directs which install malware or trashware. (Vista requires special instructions; on-page link)
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.html

? · Answer

If you made it to step 17 , then step 18 should not be a problem, retry your step 17 and then try 18 again. ~

Edit : As this infection also changes your Windows HOSTS file, we want to replace this file with the default version for your operating system. Please note that if you or your company has added custom entries to your HOSTS file then you will need to add them again after restoring the default HOSTS file. In order to protect itself,  Security Master AV changes the permissions of the HOSTS file so you can't edit or delete it. To fix these permissions please download the following batch file and save it to your desktop:

Yes, it needs to be done. What part of step 17 did you not understand. please follow. ~

Edit : When the file has finished downloading, double-click on the hostsperm.bat file that is now on your desktop. If Windows asks if you if you are sure you want to run it, please allow it to run. Once it starts you will see a small black window that opens and then quickly goes away. This is normal and is nothing to be worried about. You should now be able to access your HOSTS file.

lherick · Answer

in case you prefer to restoration it bypass to start, classes, Accesories, equipment kit, equipment restoration and resto it. yet I element you do no longer prefer that. Norton could reason your computer working sluggish. Ininstall it and setting up another antivirus application(all antivirus classes decelerate computer)

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How important is the 'hosts' system file in Windows XP?

3 Answers