MysteryFCM wrote:
The routers config is unlikely to have any affect if it's just installing the HOSTS file that causes it.
It's possible one of the entries is causing it, but without a pcap (wireshark.org) or being able to see the machine myself, I'm a little puzzled (the HOSTS file just blocks hostnames, it doesn't block IPs).
Are you able to load this in the browser?
82.165.40.133
If so, it's possible your connection relies on the DNS Client service (assuming it was only disabled when installing the HOSTS file?). This is usually only required on corporate and some SMB networks, not usually required on a typical residential ISP connection.
So, here's what I did some minutes ago:
Disabled DNS client (set it to start manually)
Using HostMan successfully replaced standard HOSTS by hpHosts file
Tried to access google.com - not accessible; tried to access IP address - it works! I even tried to access other IP's they load good as well. Hostnames are not accessible.
Last step: restarted in safe mode, restored HOSTS back to standard and enabled DNS client and set it to run automatically.
Steven, I've no idea what's wrong with my system but there is something wrong otherwise it would normally allow to use HOSTS editions other than default one.