Is editing Host file in windows 7 is dangerous?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the safety and implications of editing the Hosts file in Windows 7, particularly in the context of bypassing blocked websites. Participants explore concerns about potential damage to the operating system, as well as alternative methods for accessing restricted content.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern that editing the Hosts file could disrupt networking capabilities, especially for those unfamiliar with the process.
  • Others argue that while mistakes can occur, they are generally easy to fix and do not damage the operating system.
  • A suggestion is made to back up the original Hosts file before making changes, as a precautionary measure.
  • Some participants recommend using free proxy services as an alternative method to bypass blocked sites without editing the Hosts file.
  • Links to external resources are provided, which include guides and examples of Hosts files that can block ads and improve browsing speed.
  • One participant shares their positive experience with editing the Hosts file, stating it is safe and effective.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that editing the Hosts file is unlikely to damage the operating system, but there is no consensus on the potential risks involved for inexperienced users. Multiple viewpoints on alternative methods for bypassing blocks are also presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants emphasize the importance of backing up files and maintaining updated antivirus software, while others mention the possibility of using system restore points or factory settings as recovery options.

Benjamin_harsh
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Is editing Host file in windows 7 is dangerous?
i want to edit Host file, so that i can bypass blocked sites. :)
but i am fear whether will my pc's OS get damaged or not? :(
 
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If you don't know what you are doing you can disrupt networking ability, but its pretty easy to fix any mistakes. Changing website IPs etc is pretty easy. Is this a school lab computer? I would advise against anything other than with your personal computer.
 
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A free proxy service, like StartPage, can enable some blocks to be avoided
 
Last edited:
Benjamin_harsh said:
Is editing Host file in windows 7 is dangerous?
i want to edit Host file, so that i can bypass blocked sites. :)
but i am fear whether will my pc's OS get damaged or not? :(
No, will not damage your OS, but I would save my original HOSTS file if I were you. Also, be sure that your anti-virus is updated and active.
 
http://lifehacker.com/5817447/how-to-block-unwanted-ads-in-all-applications-and-speed-up-web-browsing-with-the-hosts-file

Here a is a site with host files
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm

And here is a host file that blocks ads
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.txt

I used the host file that way before firefox/adblock

Editing the host file is safe, easy and works well.
 
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If you change any files such as the HOST file then be sure to back it up somewhere in case you need to revert back to it. It won't effect your OS though, and if you ever did anything that disastrous then you can always just roll back to a Windows restore point or back to factory settings if you have a recovery partition.
 
meBigGuy said:
http://lifehacker.com/5817447/how-to-block-unwanted-ads-in-all-applications-and-speed-up-web-browsing-with-the-hosts-file

Here a is a site with host files
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.htm

And here is a host file that blocks ads
http://winhelp2002.mvps.org/hosts.txt

I used the host file that way before firefox/adblock

Editing the host file is safe, easy and works well.

Oh NICE Hostfile! Thanks! Sure beats adding them in one by one.
 
To bypass blocked sites, I use free proxy server http://fineproxy.org/eng/ to hide my real location. It works for me fine and OS is not damaged.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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