How to block adverts!

[SS]

Built-in to Windows is a nice easy way to block adverts, including a lot of pop-ups.
It wasn't intended to be used for this, but it works, so who cares what it was intended for.

Step 1:
Launch Notepad (or any other standard text-editor).

Step 2:
File>Open and type "C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts"

This will open up a file starting with some #ed out lines and ending with 127.0.0.1       localhost.

By adding an entry in the format "127.0.0.1 eviladverts.com" you can block ALL files from eviladverts.com from even being read by your machine.
If your web browser comes across "http://www.eviladverts.com/evilflashing.gif" it will be turned into "http://127.0.0.1/evilflashing.gif" which will instantly return an error message.

So, not only can you block adverts, you will also be speeding up your surfing, because you don't need to rely on a pop-up blocker scanning files or anything like that.

Step 3:

So, you want a list of advert servers to block?

Fine, here's my list:

127.0.0.1 217.17.139.168
127.0.0.1 ad.adsmart.net
127.0.0.1 ad.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 ad.linkexchange.com
127.0.0.1 ad.linksynergy.com
127.0.0.1 ad.nl.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 ad.no.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 ad.preferences.com
127.0.0.1 ad.sma.punto.net
127.0.0.1 ad.uk.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 ad.webprovider.com
127.0.0.1 ad08.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ad-adex3.flycast.com
127.0.0.1 adcontroller.unicast.com
127.0.0.1 adcreatives.imaginemedia.com
127.0.0.1 adex3.flycast.com
127.0.0.1 adforce.ads.imgis.com
127.0.0.1 adforce.imgis.com
127.0.0.1 adfu.blockstackers.com
127.0.0.1 adimage.blm.net
127.0.0.1 adimages.earthweb.com
127.0.0.1 adimg.egroups.com
127.0.0.1 admedia.xoom.com
127.0.0.1 adpick.switchboard.com
127.0.0.1 adremote.pathfinder.com
127.0.0.1 ads.admaximize.com
127.0.0.1 ads.bfast.com
127.0.0.1 ads.clickhouse.com
127.0.0.1 ads.clickagents.com
127.0.0.1 ads.enliven.com
127.0.0.1 ads.eu.msn.com
127.0.0.1 ads.fairfax.com.au
127.0.0.1 ads.fool.com
127.0.0.1 ads.freshmeat.net
127.0.0.1 ads.hitcents.com
127.0.0.1 ads.hollywood.com
127.0.0.1 ads.i33.com
127.0.0.1 ads.infi.net
127.0.0.1 ads.jwtt3.com
127.0.0.1 ads.link4ads.com
127.0.0.1 ads.linksponsor.com
127.0.0.1 ads.lycos.com
127.0.0.1 ads.madison.com
127.0.0.1 ads.mediaodyssey.com
127.0.0.1 ads.msn.com
127.0.0.1 ads.musiccity.com
127.0.0.1 ads.ninemsn.com.au
127.0.0.1 ads.seattletimes.com
127.0.0.1 ads.smartclicks.com
127.0.0.1 ads.smartclicks.net
127.0.0.1 ads.sptimes.com
127.0.0.1 ads.tripod.com
127.0.0.1 ads.web.aol.com
127.0.0.1 ads.x10.com
127.0.0.1 ads.x10.com
127.0.0.1 ads.xtra.co.nz
127.0.0.1 ads.zdnet.com
127.0.0.1 ads01.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads02.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads03.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads04.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads05.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads06.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads08.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads09.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads1.activeagent.at
127.0.0.1 ads10.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads11.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads12.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads14.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads16.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads17.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads18.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads19.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads2.zdnet.com
127.0.0.1 ads20.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads21.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads22.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads23.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads24.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads25.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ads3.zdnet.com
127.0.0.1 ads3.zdnet.com
127.0.0.1 ads5.gamecity.net
127.0.0.1 adserv.iafrica.com
127.0.0.1 adserv.quality-channel.de
127.0.0.1 adserver.dbusiness.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.garden.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.janes.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.merc.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.monster.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.track-star.com
127.0.0.1 adserver.webads.nl
127.0.0.1 adserver1.ogilvy-interactive.de
127.0.0.1 adtegrity.spinbox.net
127.0.0.1 antfarm-ad.flycast.com
127.0.0.1 au.ads.link4ads.com
127.0.0.1 servedby.advertising.com
127.0.0.1 banner.media-system.de
127.0.0.1 banner.orb.net
127.0.0.1 banner.relcom.ru
127.0.0.1 banners.easydns.com
127.0.0.1 banners.looksmart.com
127.0.0.1 banners.wunderground.com
127.0.0.1 barnesandnoble.bfast.com
127.0.0.1 beseenad.looksmart.com
127.0.0.1 bizad.nikkeibp.co.jp
127.0.0.1 bn.bfast.com
127.0.0.1 c3.xxxcounter.com
127.0.0.1 califia.imaginemedia.com
127.0.0.1 cds.mediaplex.com
127.0.0.1 click.avenuea.com
127.0.0.1 click.go2net.com
127.0.0.1 click.linksynergy.com
127.0.0.1 cookies.cmpnet.com
127.0.0.1 cornflakes.pathfinder.com
127.0.0.1 counter.hitbox.com
127.0.0.1 counter1.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter10.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter11.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter12.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter13.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter14.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter15.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter16.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter2.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter3.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter4.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter5.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter6.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter7.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter8.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 counter9.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 crux.songline.com
127.0.0.1 desktop.kazaa.com
127.0.0.1 ehg-commjun.hitbox.com
127.0.0.1 www.ehow.com
127.0.0.1 erie.smartage.com
127.0.0.1 etad.telegraph.co.uk
127.0.0.1 fp.valueclick.com
127.0.0.1 gadgeteer.pdamart.com
127.0.0.1 global.msads.net
127.0.0.1 gm.preferences.com
127.0.0.1 gp.dejanews.com
127.0.0.1 hc2.humanclick.com
127.0.0.1 hg1.hitbox.com
127.0.0.1 image.click2net.com
127.0.0.1 image.eimg.com
127.0.0.1 images2.nytimes.com
127.0.0.1 jobkeys.ngadcenter.net
127.0.0.1 kansas.valueclick.com
127.0.0.1 leader.linkexchange.com
127.0.0.1 liquidad.narrowcastmedia.com
127.0.0.1 ln.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 m.doubleclick.net
127.0.0.1 macaddictads.snv.futurenet.com
127.0.0.1 maximumpcads.imaginemedia.com
127.0.0.1 media.preferences.com
127.0.0.1 mercury.rmuk.co.uk
127.0.0.1 mojofarm.sjc.mediaplex.com
127.0.0.1 nbc.adbureau.net
127.0.0.1 newads.cmpnet.com
127.0.0.1 ng3.ads.warnerbros.com
127.0.0.1 ngads.smartage.com
127.0.0.1 nsads.hotwired.com
127.0.0.1 ntbanner.digitalriver.com
127.0.0.1 ph-ad05.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ph-ad07.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ph-ad16.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ph-ad17.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 ph-ad18.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 rd.yahoo.com
127.0.0.1 realads.realmedia.com
127.0.0.1 redherring.ngadcenter.net
127.0.0.1 redirect.click2net.com
127.0.0.1 regio.adlink.de
127.0.0.1 retaildirect.realmedia.com
127.0.0.1 s2.focalink.com
127.0.0.1 sh4sure-images.adbureau.net
127.0.0.1 shop.kazaa.com
127.0.0.1 spin.spinbox.net
127.0.0.1 static.admaximize.com
127.0.0.1 stats.superstats.com
127.0.0.1 stats3.porntrack.com
127.0.0.1 statse.webtrendslive.com
127.0.0.1 sview.avenuea.com
127.0.0.1 thinknyc.eu-adcenter.net
127.0.0.1 tracker.clicktrade.com
127.0.0.1 tsms-ad.tsms.com
127.0.0.1 v0.extreme-dm.com
127.0.0.1 v1.extreme-dm.com
127.0.0.1 van.ads.link4ads.com
127.0.0.1 view.accendo.com
127.0.0.1 view.avenuea.com
127.0.0.1 w113.hitbox.com
127.0.0.1 w25.hitbox.com
127.0.0.1 web2.deja.com
127.0.0.1 webads.bizservers.com
127.0.0.1 webxprod.qualcomm.com
127.0.0.1 ww.websitefinancing.com
127.0.0.1 www.adforce.com
127.0.0.1 www.admex.com
127.0.0.1 www.adserver.com
127.0.0.1 www.adserver.net
127.0.0.1 www.adsmart.com
127.0.0.1 www.adsmart.net
127.0.0.1 www.ad-up.com
127.0.0.1 www.alladvantage.com
127.0.0.1 www.bfast.com
127.0.0.1 www.bonzi.com
127.0.0.1 www.brilliantdigital.com
127.0.0.1 www.burstnet.com
127.0.0.1 www.cj.com
127.0.0.1 www.cometcursor.com
127.0.0.1 www.cometsystems.net
127.0.0.1 www.commission-junction.com
127.0.0.1 www.cydoor.com
127.0.0.1 www.eads.com
127.0.0.1 www.flycast.co.uk
127.0.0.1 www.flycast.com
127.0.0.1 www.free-banners.com
127.0.0.1 www.freestats.com
127.0.0.1 www.gator.co.uk
127.0.0.1 www.gator.com
127.0.0.1 www.gator.net
127.0.0.1 www.imaginemedia.com
127.0.0.1 www.netdirect.nl
127.0.0.1 www.oneandonlynetwork.com
127.0.0.1 www.PostMasterBannerNet.com
127.0.0.1 www.qksrv.net
127.0.0.1 www.radiate.com
127.0.0.1 www.sexlist.com
127.0.0.1 www.sextracker.com
127.0.0.1 www.simplecounter.net
127.0.0.1 www.targetshop.com
127.0.0.1 www.teknosurf.com
127.0.0.1 www.teknosurf2.com
127.0.0.1 www.teknosurf3.com
127.0.0.1 www.valueclick.com
127.0.0.1 www.web3000.co.uk
127.0.0.1 www.web3000.com
127.0.0.1 www.webferret.com
127.0.0.1 www.webhancer.com
127.0.0.1 www.webhancer.net
127.0.0.1 www2.burstnet.com
127.0.0.1 www4.trix.net
127.0.0.1 www80.valueclick.com
127.0.0.1 z.extreme-dm.com
127.0.0.1 z0.extreme-dm.com
127.0.0.1 z1.extreme-dm.com
127.0.0.1 www.brilliantdigital.com
127.0.0.1 desktop.kazaa.com
127.0.0.1 shop.kazaa.com
127.0.0.1 www.bonzi.com
127.0.0.1 cserver.mii.instacontent.net

127.0.0.1 ads.trafficvenue.net
127.0.0.1 targetnet.com
127.0.0.1 fad-406.mtl4.targetnet.com
127.0.0.1 instacontent.net
127.0.0.1 accucard.com
127.0.0.1 bidclix.net
127.0.0.1 edge.ru4.com
127.0.0.1 view.atdmt.com
127.0.0.1 gator.com
127.0.0.1 www.nozone.net
127.0.0.1 view.atdmt.com
127.0.0.1 www.gito.com
127.0.0.1 www.kazaaplatinum.com
127.0.0.1 ad.simgames.net
127.0.0.1 focusin.ads.targetnet.com
127.0.0.1 realmedia-a800.d4p.net
127.0.0.1 promos.smileycentral.com
127.0.0.1 bfc.myway.com
127.0.0.1 www.wowoffers.co.uk
127.0.0.1 ltracker.com
127.0.0.1 network.realmedia.com
127.0.0.1 1.marketbanker.com
127.0.0.1 66.227.36.232

If you are still getting adverts after these, just find the server the ad is hosted on and ad it's domain name to the list.

Unfortunately this doesn't work for specific files, only entire servers, so any websites which host ads on their own servers can still cause problems, but it's better than nothing, yes?

Step 4:
Found lots of advert servers? Feel free to post your own lists here.


Any questions?

[Daimao]

meh,i keep the pop-up stopper  

[Perdition]

or you could get norton firewall programmy and you get protection for other stuff too

ah wait nevermine you want to do this without fancy software

[FragMaster1972]

thats not what firewalls do. they allow you to allow or disallow internet access per program, so you can block attempts to access your computer. (since i last rebooted, its blocked 803 intrusion attempts and 82 attacks  :blink: )  firewalls wont block ads from certain servers from displaying or anything like that (at least not that im aware of). however, the method ss mentioned is even better than a popup blocker. it sets your computer to totally ignore anything from given sites, more or less, rather then downloading items, scanning them, THEN blocking them, so you can actually browse FASTER.

of course, it helps if you put the slashes in the directory.  :hmmm: THIS one actually works.

"C:|windows|system32|drivers|etc|hosts"

edit: ah, i see the problem. ss cant figure out how the make the forums display slashes. everytime you see |, its a backslash.

[SS]

Ah feck, stupid backslash removal - that's PHP's fault. :angry:

C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

[FragMaster1972]

so which entry in your list would be blocking http://www.suprnova.org? it hasnt worked since I tried you adblocking method.    

[SS]

Nope, works here.
Must just happen to be down every time you try it.

[FragMaster1972]

l0l, you're right. it works again.

[underruler]

I tried

File>Open and type "C:WINDOWSsystem32driversetchosts"

using wordpad and it said that isn't a pathway or something.

[SS]

Don't use Wordpad, use Notepad.
Type "C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\"
Tell me what happens.

[Galmort]

without the quotes if thats what threw you off...

[underruler]

*pokes Galmort* I knew it was w/o the quotes...

SS it gave me some "GMREADME" file

[SS]

GMREADME?

Can you post the contents here (or just the beginning & end if it's a long file).

[underruler]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
GMREADME.TXT
------------

The GM.DLS file contains the Roland SoundCanvas Sound Set which is
protected under the following copyright:
Roland GS Sound Set/Microsoft (P) 1996 Roland Corporation U.S. 
The Roland SoundCanvas Sound Set is licensed under Microsoft's
End User License Agreement for use with Microsoft operating
system products only.  All other uses require a separate written
license from Roland.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

[SS]

Odd. :blink:

That's when you type "C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\" or "C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts" ?