How to block websites on Windows 7, Windows XP and older version

How to block websites on Windows 7, Windows XP and older version

Sometimes we need to block one or several websites for security or access purpose. The most easiest way to block a website in respect of all browser ( Firefox, Internet explorer, Goggle chrome, safari,etc) is modifying the Windows “Host” file.

Steps:-

1. It is very easy process, but before you start modifying host file you must backup your host file for Data recovery purpose in case of any problem.

2. Make sure you are log in as administrator to get access of windows folder file modification.

3. The location of the hosts file depends on your operating system.

Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7:- C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
Windows 2000:- C:\WINNT\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

4. Now open the “hosts” file with Notepad (you can do that by right clicking on the file and choose “Open” then select Notepad).

5. After open the file go to the below the line where you find “127.0.0.1 Localhost”. Now Type 127.0.0.1 then TAB and enter your desire URL that you want to blocked. You may add as many URL as you want, but every URL must be in new line.

Block Website in Windows OS

6. Save the file and Reboot your computer to apply the changes.

7. For an example, lets say I want to block “yahoo” from being accessed from this computer all I would do is add “127.0.0.1 www.yahoo.com”. It’s also a good idea to add another line without the “www” but this step may not be necessary, test and try.

8. Now try to accessing the site you are trying to block. You should see “Unable to connect” web page.

You can add as many sites to block as you like by similar process.

Note: If you set proxy address for your browser, then it will not work properly.