If anyone has been keeping track of this thread in the
Living Room, this is the official continuation of it here, where as of this point I feel it is more appropriate to post.
Basically, the goal of this file, a .reg file, which after downloading and double clicking basically adds a comprehensive list of websites with known tracking spyware into the override cookie handling area of Internet Exporer, by placing itself into the appropriate section of the registry. When Internet Explorer (IE) navigates to those websites, it will automatically block those malicious tracking cookies.
This is great for the 56ker's because the file is so small its a little over half a megabyte, and even at slowest connection you can download it in full in under just a minute. Being so small, another advantage is its very portable, carry it via floppy, or keep it uploaded on any free e-mail account for immediate access from any location... its just that simple.
If you want to try this mehtod, download the file and report here on any succes or failure. Ad-Aware/Spy-bot & all others should come up clean each time.
NOTE: This only helps to deter cookie spyware, it does not help if you download any software on-line from pop-ups or executable files that install malicious software such as weatherbug, sexlists, internet optimizer... etc...
OK, heard enough... wanna try it...
Whats that... not an IE user, well, there is another solution for you. Another way to do this, making it more global, and open for any Internet browsing sofwtare such as AOL, Netscape, Mozilla, Firefox, Opera... etc... is by placing these websites in what is called your HOSTS file. All you need to do is copy and paste the addresses after the last blank line in the HOSTS file.
The HOSTS file is located in the following windows path (for 2k/XP):
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
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You might need to enable hidden files to see it
You will need to double click it and open it with Notepad. Then copy/paste the entire contents of the file below.
Curious to see what exactly is is you are blocking... well its only fair to ask, if you have MS Excel, you can see the entire list
HERE.
AHA, don't have Excel... I see... fine, fine here it is in NotePad
HERE.
If anyone wants screen shots with directions on how to do any of the above tasks don't hesitate to ask. Editing the HOSTS file is not something the average everyday user does so speak up if you need to.
ENJOY ALL!!!