The DNS (Domain Name System) servers are what your computer uses to figure out where to go on the internet. www.whatever.com means absolutely nothing to your machine. It's only with the help of the DNS servers that your computer can figure out what address that domain name correlates to.
There are several methods of hijacking the DNS entries on your PC. The most common, and easiest way to do it is to add false entries into your computers HOSTS file. We'll cover how to empty that out first:
The HOSTS file is located in a couple of different locations, depending on your Windows version. In Windows XP it is located at C:WINDOWSsystem32driversetchosts (no extension). In Windows 98/ME it is at C:Windowshosts (also no extension).
Open it up with notepad. The contents of the file should look like this:
# Copyright (c) 1993-1999 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host
127.0.0.1 localhost
If there are any entries below the localhost one, then unless you've added some on purpose, then you've more than likely been hit with a DNS hijacker of some sort. The best course of action here is to run a full system scan with an up to date virus scanner, as well as a couple of spyware scanners. (Preferably from safe mode)
After the scans are done, then use WinSockFix to repair the corrupted WinSock settings. This should take care of the problem.
Kevin Souter is a full time computer repair technician. He also operates a free spyware removal site, as well as a general computer repair site.
As the owner of a Country Mall and Top Site... Read More
Step 1:Open WinRAR and browse to the folder with your... Read More
Peoples' private information needs to stay private, even after it... Read More
Youâ??ve studied hard; youâ??ve practiced your configurations; youâ??ve used your... Read More
So I'll start from the very beginning.One day I was... Read More
Digital cameras ratings are great tools for deciding which camera... Read More
One of the most confusing parts of beginning your Cisco... Read More
Tip #1. Do a Google search. Don't be to general... Read More
Lost & Found for the 21st CenturyIn today's hectic world... Read More
Since the DOS days, batch files have been one of... Read More
If you're like me, you occasionally find the ubiquitous mouse... Read More
PDA Medical BenefitsIf you are concerned about your medical history,... Read More
JPEG, GIFF/JIFF, BMP, and TIFF are the most commonly used... Read More
The basic language of the internet is html. If you... Read More
What is a Refurbished Computer?Refurbished Computers. Remanufactured Computers. Reconditioned Computers.... Read More
How familiar does the following sound? Your computer was working... Read More
Microsoft Business Solutions is on the way to popularize it's... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
Passwords have a strange dual nature. The stronger and safer... Read More
Webmasters usually sit at their computers much longer in a... Read More
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification is meant for... Read More
Do you know how many fonts are currently installed on... Read More
Good Morning Mr. Sampson. Please type in you Personal Identification... Read More
Surf the 'Net for about 10 minutes and chances rate... Read More
What led them to this choice, as all four studios... Read More
If you have a computer for home use or for... Read More
With a little tweaking and with proper tools, you can... Read More
The following practice, if done regularly, may help you to... Read More
With the bewildering number of digital cameras on the market,... Read More
Although there are many things that can affect the performance... Read More
Heading off on vacation soon?Then perhaps you're tempted to take... Read More
Using SQL Server 2000 and above versions you can retrieve... Read More
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a protocol that is part... Read More
Digital cameras ratings are great tools for deciding which camera... Read More
Introduction In this article I will clearly spell out the... Read More
All of us are familiar with the pyramids of Egypt.... Read More
In the years of the dot com boom and bust,... Read More
Are you stymied by the vast offerings in cheap mp3... Read More
ASR (Automated System Recovery) is a feature available on the... Read More
I would like to tell you about a magic home.... Read More
The basic language of the internet is html. If you... Read More
BIOS - Basic Input Output SystemThe central processing unit of... Read More
Your first step in removing dangerous infections from your computer... Read More
When I first started studying for my CCNP, some of... Read More
It's free, it comes with Windows and it's used by... Read More
The registry is where the computer stores information about the... Read More
Passwords have a strange dual nature. The stronger and safer... Read More
Surf the 'Net for about 10 minutes and chances rate... Read More
Confused by EDTV vs HDTV? We don't blame you. The... Read More
Google, in their march to stay ahead of the pack... Read More
Personal Technology Personal Technology |