Best Tips Here...

[nikita69]

HOW TO BLOCK ADS AND MAINTAIN THE SUPERTRICK (hosts file - example 2)

Continuing from example 1:

1. Update your hosts file
   1. First, download and "save as" this UPDATED FILE (contains over 14,000 verified sites and about 500kb).
   2. Add it to your hosts file using HOSTS MANAGER
2. Update your proxy configuration, even if you aren't behind a proxy
   1. Netscape Navigator
      1. Go to Edit->Preferences->Advanced->Proxies
      2. Select "Manual Proxy Configuration" (even if you aren't using a proxy) and click "View"
      3. From the final hosts file, after merging it with the one you downloaded, open the file in Wordpad and remove everything except the site addresses
         • Replace the line breaks with a space to make the file as one line. Like this "000freexxx.com 039068a.dialer-select.com 1.httpads.com 1000stars.ru 100free.com 100free.de 100free.nl 123adult.com"
      4. Paste the results into "No Proxy For" box
         This will tell Navigator to access these sites directly. Since your hosts file says they are the local machine, ad lookups will fail and you can surf in peace without distraction, with the added bonus that many web pages will load quite a bit faster
   2. Internet Explorer 5.x+
      1. Go to Tools->Internet Options...->Connection tab
      2. Select your Connection (Dialup or LAN) & press "Settings" button
      3. Check "Use a proxy server for your..." checkbox
      4. Click "Bypass proxy server for local addresses" checkbox
      5. You are done - No need to add anything in "No Proxy For" box
3. NOTES
   1. If you run a webserver on your PC
      1. All the servers in this file point to the ip 127.0.0.1 (localhost), you will need to open the “Hosts” file in a regular text editor (wordpad/bbedit/vim etc) and replace 127.0.0.1 for 127.0.0.2 or another "non-existant" ip address
      2. Alternatively you can simply download this dedicated Hosts file for servers with the ip set at 127.0.0.3 here. You will need to rename this file "Hosts"
   2. If you use the browser Mozilla , but after installing Hosts you keep getting a "connection refused.." error dialog
      1. This is a bug in Mozilla (version 1.1 and below) due to the browser not having a built in error page when a website/adserver cannot be contacted, therefore an alert dialog is used instead of error page
      2. This has been reported as a bug to the Mozilla project and is still awaiting to be set as a default setting into a release
      3. If you have Mozilla 1.2a or above you can add to your user preferences file (prefs.js) this line:
         • user_pref("browser.xul.error_pages.enabled", true);
         • This will stop the annoying dialog popup as 1.2a has the option to remove the dialog though this isn't enabled by default yet
   3. If you installed it and now you can't visit site X
      1. Then probably the site in question is in the "black" list and is stopping your visit
      2. check when you access the site does your taskbar/statusbar say "connecting to 127.0.0.1" if so then it is most likely within this file, in which case you will need to open this “Hosts” file in a text editor (wordpad/bbedit/vim etc) and search for the line that contains the address of the site that you want to visit
      3. Simply delete that line or place a # before the line which deactivates that particular entry, then reboot or re-flush your dns, and you will then be able to visit the site in question
         • This Hosts file is designed to be extremely comprehensive and to get the best out of it some people will find they need to edit it manually to remove certain sites for their own browsing preferences (using the above instructions)
         • Web sites will not be placed in this file if they have had no observed hostile activities or privacy breaches, and with banner advertising only the server from which the advert banner originates will be blocked and not the whole site
         • The sorts of activity that determines addition to this file is:
           • adverts, banners, multiple popup windows /exit pages, webbugs, script/java exploits, privacy breaches, dialer droppers, user tracking and counters, viruses, spyware, circle sites, spammer sites, underhand practices etc.
           • If a site is visited and they have these kinds of activities going on, then they will most likely to be entered into this Hosts file by myself or other users who contribute to this project
           • You can always use this program, Hosts Toggle to turn on/off the Hosts file with one click
   4. If you installed it and your Windows 2000 PC hangs every 10 minutes and/or is slow
      1. This seems to be a bug in Win2K as it will not handle large Hosts files such as this one, it can be worked around by 2 different methods, if you are not on a LAN network or use a direct connection to the internet (t1/dsl/adsl/cable) (modems untested but believed to work also) the first simple method is as follows
         • Locate the hosts file you installed and rename to hosts.txt (this will disable it tempoarily)
         • Right Click on "My Computer" on the desktop and choose "Manage"
         • Scroll to the "services" section and locate "dns client" r-click on this and choose "properties"
         • Stop the service and from the dropdown choose "disable"
         • Rename "hosts.txt" back to "hosts" and you should be able to use the hosts file as normal, a reboot might be required to get it working fully
         • This method has been known to work on many Win2k* setups without any adverse effects. Also known to work for some XP users who experience slow network startup and/or IE or OE is very slow to start, the procedure to disable the dns client is the same as above. Of course if you still have problems or cannot connect to the internet after implementing this workaround it is advised you do not use this Hosts file and restore the "dns client" back to an "automatic" state and restart the dns client. Alternativly you will need this software and see this page for implementing an advanced dns solution (for expert users only)
   5. If you installed it and can still see some banners
      1. After checking the obvious, have you got it installed in the correct location for your Operating system?
      2. Check to see if the banners image is coming from a different server than the one you are visiting (right click on banner and choose properties too see the web address of the images location)
      3. This is because some websites serve their banners from the same site as the content, in those cases a Hosts file will not block them as it would stop access to the entire site which isn't the idea, this Hosts file blocks access only if they have a seperate advert server to the main one and it is in this Hosts file, otherwise adverts will be seen
      4. If you use a specific web proxy (specified by your ISP's internet settings) then this Hosts file will not work as using a explicit proxy bypasses the Hosts file functionality. Please remember to that this file while being very comprehensive cannot include every banner server in the world and has included only the well known advertisers and mainly english speaking websites
      5. If you wish to have 100% advert free browsing then using something like the Promoxitron or Junkbuster proxy or Mozillas BannerBlind which will remove 99.9% of adverts
   6. How do you know if the file is working?
      1. Quite simply, can you see this site or this site or this site. If you can still see those sites than the Hosts file is not working and you should check your settings and installation
   7. Does this have a virus in it?
      1. No it doesn't, its only a plain text file so it cannot do any harm to your computer, there are no install programs or executable files just a simple single text file
4. WINDOWS UPDATE NOTE: Akamai.net is used by Microsoft to host the Windows Update features, known as the "AutoUpdate" and "v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com [63.209.144.181]". In addition, Akamai.net also hosts others, such as ad/spware websites.
   
   So if either feature of the Windows Update is not working and/or you get "Windows Update Failure - Error Code 0x800A138F". Then close ALL broswers&#39; windows, open hosts file, press {CTRL+F}->look for this address "a248.e.akamai.net [63.251.152.201]", without the brackets, and delete it then save and exit. Now try <span style='color:green'>https://a248.e.akamai.net/v4.windows...etmanifest.aspagain. If it works, then go to http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and get your Updates. If it still does not work then your company or your ISP may be blocking this hostname. Or some anti-ad/spy programs may have this address blocked, such as SPYBLOCKER.
   
   DO NOT DELETE ALL AKAMAI.NET SITES, OTHERWISE YOU WILL END UP WITH AD/SPY SITES POPING BACK.
   Below is a small sample of hundreds of the Akamai.net servers that process ad/spy sites:
   • 0.0.0.0 a08.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a10.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a100.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a100.g.akamaitech.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1016.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1028.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1032.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a104.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1040.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1061.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1066.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a108.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a11.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1100.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a111.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1156.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1168.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a117.g.akamaitech.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1172.g.akamaitech.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1180.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1196.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a12.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a12.g.akamaitech.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1208.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1224.g.akamaitech.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1228.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1234.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1240.g.akamaitech.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1252.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1261.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1284.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a13.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1300.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1316.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1356.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1360.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a1380.g.akamai.net
   • 0.0.0.0 a14.g.akamai.net

</span>
Now continue to example 3
RELATING POSTS: comming soon...

RESULTS WILL VARY
No matter how good your systems may be, they&#39;re only as effective as what you put into them.
updated

[ninjamonkey]

can we sticky this?

[nikita69]

Originally posted by ninjamonkey@16 October 2003 - 06:11
can we sticky this?

Already done HERE - My Kazaa Lite ++ Is So Fast...., YOU GOT TO TRY THESE TIPS HERE

The above one is always updated and more organized than this one. It&#39;s ment to be pinned, LOCKED and all in one post.

This one here, is for other members to link directly to the topic they need to refer to.

Feel free to follow the trend of my tips and add urs, if ud like me to confirm and/or help you with it, please send me a PM.

[nikita69]

HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT YOUR PC? (Guide)

The challenge with a problem is not so much the solution but figuring out what the actual problem is. For instance: if your internet connection is lost you might automatically assume it&#39;s a problem your ISP, yet the problem might actually be a cable connection problem, a corrupted software file, a conflict with another software program running at the same time, a virus or any number of other problems. By doing some basic troubleshooting you can effectively identify problems and get farther down the path to an actual solution. Also, if you need to call a manufacturers help-line, the call will be much more productive if you&#39;ve done some troubleshooting before hand.

Before you do anything:

Check your mental state and don’t panic&#33; My personal theory to computer problems is that there is a direct connection between the amount of stress a user is under and the number of times a computer will crash. Chances are that when you are in a rush to get a document out the door, you will forget to close open applications, or to save your work and you will send too many commands (like printing, spell-check, etc.) at once. If you&#39;re moving fast on the computer, it pays to take a moment, take a deep breath, close unnecessary programs and save your work. Also, if you&#39;re trying to solve a problem that your computer is having, you will need full mental capabilities. So if you&#39;re feeling frustrated and tired while trying to troubleshoot - take a break&#33; You’ll find you’ll solve your problems much faster if you have a fresh mind and attitude. Don’t panic either. Sometimes computer problems can appear to be much more serious than they really are. Panicking can lead you to jump to a solution of a perceived problem before you’ve actually identified the real problem.

2. Some initial steps:
   1. Check the component&#39;s documentation and/or the manufacturer&#39;s website: The appendix of most manuals will contain a troubleshooting guide that will identify the most common problems the component may have. Most software installations include placing a readme file in the programs directory that will list all known incompatibilities. Manufacturer websites can be extremely helpful as well, with support pages that will direct you to common problems and solutions that may include a software "patch" that can be downloaded directly from the site and then run on your hard drive
   2. Check for Viruses: Any strange behavior on a computer could be due to a virus. Use an anti-viral program to scan your system - and follow the instructions on the use of the anti-viral program closely
   3. Use diagnostic utilities: Software crashes can often be caused by corrupted files or registry conflicts. Using a program like Window&#39;s Scan Disk (found under System Tools in the Accessories folder on your program menu) can identify and fix corrupted files. Norton Utilities has a program called "System Check" that both checks the integrity of your files and looks for software conflicts and will repair problems
3. If none of those steps work - it&#39;s time to use your brain&#33;
   1. Ask yourself - when did the problem I’m experiencing first start? If you made any change, such as installing new software or adding hardware, to the computer and now you are having a problem, chances are the change is the cause. Also, while you&#39;re trying to identify problems and solutions remember to make only one change to your system at a time, so you can easily trace your steps.
   2. Determine if the problem is repeatable or if it is intermittent: A repeatable problem is one that occurs all the time, or always in response to a specific user action
      • For example, if the computer crashes everytime you print a document - that’s a repeatable problem
      An intermittent problem will appear to happen spontaneously or randomly. An intermittent problem is usually the result of a specific set of circumstances happening occasionally. With these problems it is important to try to establish a pattern involved in the problem. Keep a problem log at the computer and try to write down all the circumstances occurring when the crash occurred, including the most minute detail.
   3. Use the process of elimination: Start to remove components from your system one at a time. After you remove a component test to see if the problem still exists. This is a great way to figure out if the problem is caused by a conflict between software programs and/or hardware. Start by removing the most recently installed stuff first
4. Some Final Tips:
   1. If you call the helpline - be patient and prepared: You will have to wait on hold awhile to get to get an actual person on the phone. Like death and taxes that&#39;s just a fact of life. If you can review all the troubleshooting steps you took to identify the problem, the technical assistance operator will be able to identify the solution more quickly and effectively
      • Remember: if you get a technical assistance operator on the line don&#39;t hang up until you&#39;re sure the problem has been solved
   2. If the equipment is new, send it back: Most equipment is under warranty and if there is anything severely wrong with it, you should send it back. This may not help your immediate goal, but it will save you plenty of time in the long run. If the equipment is under warranty, the vendor will deal with it

The most important thing to remember while troubleshooting is to be patient and observant. By using these steps you should easily be able to resolve even the most inexplicable problems

RELATING POSTS: comming soon...

RESULTS WILL VARY
No matter how good your systems may be, they&#39;re only as effective as what you put into them.

[the-ninja69]

About Hosts, it stopped working for me all a sudden. I have it in right location and I have visited a dozen sites with ads on them and they are not blocked. It used to work perfectly but all of a sudden it stopped working. I also use edexter and that hasn&#39;t been doing anything either. I am using MyIE2 right now and I tried Internet Explorer and it didn&#39;t work there either. I can&#39;t figure out why it has stopped working.

[MUSLEMAN]

Originally posted by the-ninja69@20 October 2003 - 20:07
About Hosts, it stopped working for me all a sudden. I have it in right location and I have visited a dozen sites with ads on them and they are not blocked. It used to work perfectly but all of a sudden it stopped working. I also use edexter and that hasn&#39;t been doing anything either. I am using MyIE2 right now and I tried Internet Explorer and it didn&#39;t work there either. I can&#39;t figure out why it has stopped working.

are you talking about popups???

[the-ninja69]

It&#39;s all good now, i followed some advice on a site and now it works perfectly. All i had to do was turn off the DNS client service. No problems and internet works fine B)

[nikita69]

@the-ninja69 - I responded to ur PM and hope that u followed the instructions I gave u along with the 26 thousands plus, bad sites .

Today I added around 3000 more and just to let u know, I always test my HOSTS file against a database of around 500,000 sites that are not known to be "bad".

So those 26K+ sites have been confirmed by me and reputable sites. Also note that there are around 2,000+ from akamai.net who windowsupdate.com uses and around 5000+porn popup sites.

As for the good sites, or I should say the sites I visit often, I have roughly around 3000+.

[theslayer40]

nikita69, I have a question, how do I Install Tweak UI it doesn&#39;t say in the help file.

[nikita69]

Originally posted by theslayer40@28 October 2003 - 01:23
nikita69, I have a question, how do I Install Tweak UI it doesn&#39;t say in the help file.

If u have v1.33 then you don&#39;t need to do anything after downloading. Please either PM me or post in the sofware/questions section accordingly. thx.