I changed my host file for a program...now I'm having problems!?

Question

Recently I changed my host file so that I could run a program, which I know is illegal but I'm really poor :\.

Anyway, after a changed it I went away for a few days and when I came back my computer said it couldn't find system32, which is of course where the host file is that I changed.

I restored my computer and deleted the program that I felt may have caused it... but later that day I changed my host file again... there didn't seem anything malicious within the changes that were suggested to run this program, so I thought it must have been the other program.

I restarted my computer and everything was fine...

However, after leaving my computer for eight hours or so (for sleep) and then starting it up to check my emails, it again says it can't find system32 (despite system32 actually being there) and I start up in a weird sort of safe mode ... so I've system restored and changed the host file back.

My question is, do I have a virus that's causing this, was it the changing of the host file that caused this or perhaps some other issue? It just seems odd that it'd happen right after I changed my host file, so I'm pretty sure it's no the last option.

What should I do?

10 points to the best answer ASAP! : )

Answer 1

Your not making much sense. What have you done thats illegal ? If you have used a crack/keygen, then you are almost certainly infected.

The host file can be used, to stop your pc from going to malicious sites.However it can also be used to redirect you to a malicious destination.

You did not say what OS you have.

For XP Go to C/ windows/system32/drivers/etc/host, right click on the host file, choose open, when asked what program to use choose notepad, delete ALL entries except 127.0.0.1 localhost, then choose save

For Vista

1) Browse to Start -> All Programs -> Accessories

2) Right click "Notepad" and select "Run as administrator"

3) Click "Continue" on the UAC prompt

4) Click File -> Open

5) Browse to "C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc"

6) Change the file filter drop down box from "Text Documents (*.txt)" to "All Files (*.*)"

7) Select "hosts" and click "Open"

8) Make the needed changes and close Notepad. Save when prompted.



Now download this program, run a quick scan and post back the results

http://www.filehippo.com/download_malwarebytes_anti_malware/

Answer 2

I was in the EXACT situation as you except, i didn't have the system-32 issue, instead my internet wouldn't work, so i thought it was the hosts file, but is wasn't, turns out all i had to do was go to control panel>network and sharing center>and change my LAN connection back to private/home, and not public, this worked for me, and i was truly amazed that it was something this simple

Answer 3

1. backup your host file in somewhere when PC works well, normally, don't need to edit the host file



2. blacklist the email, anyone can send you an email said your PC get problems, just don't click the link that they provide you,



3. Scan the program before using

Answer 4

seems like errors in the registry.



but check for viruses Etc... first.



scan with the following and remove what they find.



Sophos Anti-Rootkit : http://www.sophos.com/products/free-tools/sophos-anti-rootkit.html



Sophos Anti-Rootkit DOWNLOAD : https://secure.sophos.com/support/cleaners/sar_15_sfx.exe



&



Super Anti Spyware : http://www.superantispyware.com/



Super Anti Spyware DOWNLOAD : http://downloads.superantispyware.com/downloads/SUPERAntiSpywarePro.exe









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