You can’t block Facebook using Windows 8′s hosts file (laptop, operating system)

[plwhit]

FYI:

While you can still add any host you want to the hosts file and map it to an IP, you will notice that some of the mappings will get reset once you open an Internet browser. If you only save, close and re-open the hosts file you will still see the new mappings in the the file, but once you open a web browser, some of them are removed automatically from the hosts file.

Two of the sites that you can’t block using the hosts file are facebook.com and ad.doubleclick.net, the former the most popular social networking site, the second a popular ad serving domain.

Now if you turn off Windows defender.....

You can’t block Facebook using Windows 8′s hosts file

[Asheville Native]

Then you block it at the DNS level.

I've used the hosts file to block doubleclick for years.

Reason #784 to take a pass on Windows Ate

[NJBest]

Turn off Windows Defender. There are plenty of better alternatives. No biggie.

[Dude111]

Why not try LOCKING the host file?? (Make it READ ONLY)

Thats quite stupid that it takes stuff out!!

Originally Posted by Asheville Native

I've used the hosts file to block doubleclick for years.

Why not just block all third party cookies buddy?? (That would block them)

[NJBest]

Originally Posted by Dude111

Why not try LOCKING the host file?? (Make it READ ONLY)

Thats quite stupid that it takes stuff out!!

Why not just block all third party cookies buddy?? (That would block them)

You might want to read the article that the OP linked to...

[NHDave]

Originally Posted by NJBest

Turn off Windows Defender. There are plenty of better alternatives. No biggie.

You do realize that Defender in Windows 8 is actually Microsoft Security Essentials, and not what it is in Windows 7? I'm curious as to what the "plenty of better alternatives" are to one of the top free AV apps?

[NJBest]

Originally Posted by NHDave

You do realize that Defender in Windows 8 is actually Microsoft Security Essentials, and not what it is in Windows 7? I'm curious as to what the "plenty of better alternatives" are to one of the top free AV apps?

Yes. I currently use Windows 8 on my primary laptop and as might have read on this forum, I'm one of the few that don't consider Windows 8 to be a piece of crap.

I've never been a fan of Microsoft Security Essentials. Take your pick: List of antivirus software - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I like Nod32, personally. However, there are plenty of options that don't modify your host file for financial gains.

[Skunk Workz]

Pretty sure that MSE will detect a change in the host file and remove entries in the same manner. I think that the only change here is that MSE will notify you when in reverts the changes.

[Tek_Freek]

Gee, I thought it was MY computer. I guess not....

Originally Posted by Asheville Native

Then you block it at the DNS level.

I've used the hosts file to block doubleclick for years.

Reason #784 to take a pass on Windows Ate

K.I.S.S.

[plwhit]

Originally Posted by Dude111

Why not try LOCKING the host file?? (Make it READ ONLY)

If you had bothered to read the article you would have read:

The strange thing is that even write protecting the file does not have an effect on it as entries are still removed once you open a web browser.

And this:

If you do not want to disable Windows Defender completely, you can alternatively add the hosts file to the list of excluded files and processes. You do that with a on Settings > Excluded files and locations. This basically blocks Windows Defender from scanning or manipulating the hosts file in the operating system.