HOSTS file

[kcm1582]

OK so I installed Spybot-S&D but decided to scrap it and use Spy Sweeper for anti-spyware. Now Spy Sweeper keep saying that its blocking random websites, and after doing a little research I found that it was caused by Spybot adding all the sites to the HOSTS.bak file. Does anyone know how to clear them out? I tried using notepad in admin to edit it but it created a second file and the problem is still there.

 

[HareRazor]

Right click on the hosts file and go to properties and make sure it is not set to read only. Then when you go to save it just do a file save and not a file save as.

 

[kcm1582]

Yeah I did both and it is still messed up.

 

[srteach]

Any file with a .bak is a backup file that is not used in main (normal) operation. It is only a backup of a removed or modified file. They are used for restoring a botched repair action.
The .bak file is not the problem.

When you delete or modify the HOSTS file, windows will re-create it. It is a system file.

The best program for this type of scan (according to testing) is malwarebytes anti-malware (free). Microsoft defender (also free) is next best. (MS didn't make defender, they bought the company that did, and renamed the program.)

 

[HareRazor]

Malware bytes is a pretty good program. I have used it many times with great results, but what I have found is if the hosts file is jacked in the first place it won't update. If I can't edit it with just notepad, then I use a program called HostsXpert to try and modify it.

 

[kcm1582]

I guess it just needed a full shutdown and reboot because this morning it finally stopped.

Any file with a .bak is a backup file that is not used in main (normal) operation. It is only a backup of a removed or modified file. They are used for restoring a botched repair action.
The .bak file is not the problem.

In that case can I delete the .bak file and recreate it, Or is that going to mess up the system?