Host File Locked - No Firewall Of Any Kind

Something set the attributes of the Hosts file to RSH, all capitals. I can't change the attributes, or update the file. If I use a boot disk, and something like ERD Commander, I can change the file, but not the attributes. I do not have a firewall, Windows or otherwise.

Is there a fix for this?

2.4 GHz Intel with 3 gig RAM
Windows XP 2600 Corporate SP2 with all upgrades.
IE 7
Media Player 11
Office 2007

Thanks,
Ed

 

I hope you were kidding when you state that there is no firewall of any kind. While I am sure that there are firewalls capable of locking the HOSTS file, this is not a traditional firewall chore.

Start, Run, cmd
attrib -r -s -h %windir%\system32\drivers\etc\HOSTS
That removes any attribute of importance.

Look for programs that do lock HOSTS:
WinPatrol
Spybot S&D Teatimer
SpywareGuard
SpyWareBlaster
Any anti-malware application, e.g. SpySweeper, Ewido, AVG Antispyware, .etc
Any anti-virus software that has the word "Suite" in its name

If the issue remains, one set of application software that often locks the HOSTS file is malware.

Reboot and hit the F8 key early and often. Choose Safe Mode.
Open Windows explorer to the folder: \Windows\System32\Drivers\etc
Right click on HOSTS (it should have no file extension)
Sharing and Security
Security tab
Make sure you as a user, and/or "Administrator" has full permissions on the file. If not, change the permissions to Full.

 

Bill, I wasn't kidding. Zone Alarm, for one, does lock the Hosts file. Most of the discussions in other forums address this problem by telling you to change your Zone Alarm settings. I'll try your suggestions and get back to you. The only one I haven't tried is the sharing and Security tab. I have already tried to change the attributes through Windows, a DOS prompt, safe mode, and a boot disk. I don't have any antivirus suites installed. I'm using AVG free. The only anti-spywares I have are Ad-Aware and Advanced Spyware Remover. Neither of them are running in active monitor mode. I have scanned with both or them, and also ran a complete AVG scan.

Steve, when I tried to edit in Windows, it was telling me that the file attributes prevent me from editing the file. Lately, when I try to right click HOSTS, it gives me an ambiguous error that shuts down my file manager.

Thanks to you both.

 

All fixed. Bill, your sharing suggestion worked. I couldn't do it in safe mode, though. It booted me out of Explorer when I tried to right click. I had to use miniPE to do the job.

Thank you both.
Ed