I know there is no side effect to a large HOSTS file. But since I was gone all weekend doing stuff with the family, I figured just for giggles I would run the HostsExpired.bat from Eric Phelp's site.
They don't need to be removed, but I figured I'd post the results anyhow.
Full Version: dead hostnames
Hi r00ted,
Nice job, I should run my check one of these days too, 31 march is quite far behind now and a HOSTS file needs a clean up from time to time.
I had a quick look and I don't have anything against removing dead ads and inoffensive sites to clean up the HOSTS file, but I did notice the presence of entries that are used by CWS and hijacks. As long as the site is listed and is owned by the same person I will not remove it, even if the hostname does not resolve to an IP. They use rotating techniques for their crap and next week or next month a site will become active again and peeps will get infected.
Kim
Nice job, I should run my check one of these days too, 31 march is quite far behind now and a HOSTS file needs a clean up from time to time.
I had a quick look and I don't have anything against removing dead ads and inoffensive sites to clean up the HOSTS file, but I did notice the presence of entries that are used by CWS and hijacks. As long as the site is listed and is owned by the same person I will not remove it, even if the hostname does not resolve to an IP. They use rotating techniques for their crap and next week or next month a site will become active again and peeps will get infected.
Kim
I've done a little research on CWS and how they rotate, and yea, definately wouldn't unblock those.
Thanks for looking into it.
Thanks for looking into it.
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