Hosts file issues

[divaone]

i spent a bit too much time on trying to submit a site to yahoo (don't ask). i figured out that the problem was my extensive hosts file (312k). in the file is listed

add.yahoo.com

blocking me from viewing that page. i erased the line but was still unable to enter the page until i restarted the browser.

anyone else had any issues with the hosts file i may need to look into?

[tedster]

Restarting the the browser (or even needing to re-boot the computer) in order to have changes in the Hosts file take effect is a common experience.

While doing some research, I found this excellent set of pages, explanations and FAQs about the Hosts file:

[accs-net.com...]

[choster]

Some ad-blocking software rewrites the hosts file to block images from known ad servers. From the other side of the spectrum, I am told some spyware rewrites the hosts file to deliver ads from different ad networks. I know someone reported problems a few mons ago with rd.yahoo.com, which is YH's generic redirect domain. It turns out that some filesharing software they installed was responsible for the block.

[divaone]

thank you both. this is good information to have (especially that article!). i originally expanded my hosts file for ad blockage and used a program to place a simple image in the place of blocked ads. looking back, i think my hosts list may be a bit too aggressive.