You can use a modified HOSTS file to block ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and even most hijackers and possibly unwanted programs. This is accomplished by blocking the connection (s) that supplies these little gems. The Hosts file is loaded into memory (cache) at startup, so there is no need to turn on. The Northern Block. Founded in 2006 by Jonathan Hill, The Northern Block is a collaborative type foundry internationally recognised for producing modernist fonts for brands, creatives and makers. The Northern Block’s highly skilled and enthusiastic global team, designs and develops award-winning retail and custom typefaces, and is pushing. Block Adobe Activation Servers for CS4 and CS5 via HOSTS file. To block the software you will need to edit the Windows host file. The hosts file is a computer file used in an operating system to map hostnames to IP addresses. Block Adobe Photoshop CC activation outbound link using windows host file or firewall is a common question for everyone. I am not a professional Graphic Designer, but sometimes I like to play with Adobe tools like Photoshop CC.

Folks ... sorry for the delay (again) in getting out an update ... just got out of the Hospital ... I now have some severe health issues to deal with (complete Kidney failure ... need a Kidney transplant) plus another operation ... large needles inserted into my spine ...however I will try to better maintain the MVPS HOSTS file. Well just got back from Hospital again (excessive water in lungs)
If you could ... please consider a donation. Thanks to all that contributed ... every little bit helps.

What it does ...

You can use a modified HOSTS file to block ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and even most hijackers and possibly unwanted programs. This is accomplished by blocking the connection(s) that supplies these little gems. The Hosts file is loaded into memory (cache) at startup, so there is no need to turn on, adjust or change any settings with the exception of the DNS Client service (see below). Windows automatically looks for the existence of a HOSTS file and if found, checks the HOSTS file first for entries to the web page you just requested. The 0.0.0.0 (prefix) is considered the location of your computer, so when an entry listed in the MVPS HOSTS file is requested on a page you are viewing, your computer thinks 0.0.0.0 is the location of the file. When this file is not located it skips onto the next file and thus the ad server is blocked from loading the banner, Cookie, or some unscrupulous tracker, or javascript file.

Example - the following entry 0.0.0.0 ad.doubleclick.net blocks all files supplied by that DoubleClick Server to the web page you are viewing. This also prevents the server from tracking your movements. Why? ... because in certain cases 'Ad Servers' like Doubleclick (and many others) will try silently to open a separate connection on the webpage you are viewing, record your movements then yes ... follow you to additional sites you may visit.

Using a well designed HOSTS file can speed the loading of web pages by not having to wait for these ads, annoying banners, hit counters, etc. to load. This also helps to protect your Privacy and Security by blocking sites that may track your viewing habits, also known as 'click-thru tracking' or Data Miners. Simply using a HOSTS file is not a cure-all against all the dangers on the Internet, but it does provide another very effective 'Layer of Protection'.

In case you're wondering ... this all happens in microseconds, which is much faster than trying to fetch a file from half way around the world. Another great feature of the HOSTS file is that it is a two-way file, meaning if some parasite does get into your system (usually bundled with other products) the culprit can not get out (call home) as long as the necessary entries exist. This is why it's important to keep your HOSTS file up to Date. Get notified of MVPS HOSTS updates.

Special Note: new Windows 10 users ... the MVPS Hosts file installs just fine, no need to make any changes.

Simply follow the instructions for Windows 10/8

MVPS HOSTS includes entries for most major parasites, hijackers and unwanted Adware/Spyware programs!

Started providing a HOSTS file in 1998 ... and now celebrating 20 yrs. proudly still the #1 rated HOSTS file on Google ...

Block Adobe Hosts File

To view the HOSTS file in plain text form. (345 kb) (opens in new browser)
Note: The text version also makes a terrific searchable reference for determining possible unwanted connections.
Download:hosts.zip [Updated October-25-2020]

Important Note: The HOSTS file now contains a change in the prefix in the HOSTS entries to '0.0.0.0' instead of the usual '127.0.0.1'.
This was done to resolve a slowdown issue that occurs with the change Microsoft made in the 'TCP loopback interface' in Win8.1.
This change in the prefix should not affect everyday users. I've had some feedback that COMODO antivirus, and System Mechanic seems to have issues with the '0.0.0.0' prefix ... to resolve this issue:

You can use the 'Replace' function in Notepad to convert the entries, or either of these freeware utilities (see below) has an option for converting the entries from '0.0.0.0' to '127.0.0.1.

This download includes a simple batch file (mvps.bat) that will rename the existing HOSTS file to HOSTS.MVP then copy the included updated HOSTS file to the proper location. For more information please see the Windows version that applies to you ...

Windows 10/8 install instructions see here

Windows 7 requires special instructions see here

When you run the (mvps.bat) batch file - right-click and select: Run as Administrator. Once updated you should see another prompt that the task was completed. Some users may see a pop-up from certain Security programs about changes to the HOSTS file. Allow the change ... however if you see this pop-up (changes to the HOSTS file) at any other time ... investigate.
Download Information: (checksum info is on the HOSTS file itself not the 'hosts.zip')
MD5: 5B269EA131819DEFF186B33189C7AAD6 SHA-1: 16B35D3AAFEDDD05D9027C8C020B882E419CEB6D
Manual Install Method - Unzip in a 'temp' folder and place in the appropriate installed location:

If you are having trouble downloading or extracting the HOSTS file [click here]
Note: the below locations are for the typical default paths, edit as needed.