XP SP3 + updates

Kernel_Sanders

I've spent many hours over the past few months trying to speed up my Sony Vaio 32 bit PC but any improvements are gone within a few weeks. Also I need to unblock some affiliate URLs because I can't click through to some sites on Topcashback. An example is clkuk.tradedoubler.com. but I think it's one of 7000 adware URLs in my HOSTS file....which isn't in any alphabetical order! The only thing that's stopped me doing a system restore (to 2002 version of XP) is that whilst I have a copy of SP3 on a dongle, I didn't want to lose the updates I've gained between SP3 and end of support in 2014. When looking on Microsoft's site for something else, I was surprised to discover that they were offering SP3 downloads for XP. Furthermore, on this page it states:
'Keep Windows XP current. SP3 includes previous updates and a few new ones.Learn how to get it '
However when I clicked through, I can find no mention of these extra updates. Do you think the download will include everything up to end of support?

bsod

rename the hosts file, use of mvps hosts can have a negative speed impact along with your cashback and many other issues.

If you prefer to edit out a single entry, the order shouldn't matter, all editors have search, control F

Kernel_Sanders

bsod wrote: »

rename the hosts file....
If you prefer to edit out a single entry, the order shouldn't matter, all editors have search, control F

Just renaming it will allow them all?

Thing is, I don't even know if it is just a single entry; couldn't they have several?
I'm now stumped as to why I have so many HOSTS files!

bsod

renaming is the same as no hosts file, just makes undoing easy

the only one that matters is 507kB, the rest are mostly junk that you've downloaded and left hanging around

you can create a batch file to rename it for the topcashback session, you can rename or delete it, or you can edit entries.

as I said, having such a host file may be part of your overall impression that the thing is not quite as zippy as you once remember, overtinkering is often the cause.

This will allow you to monitor what sites the machine is trying to connect to,

http://www.nirsoft.net/utils/dns_query_sniffer.html

topcashback could use several, they could change, which is why no hosts file or a rename, or a batch file rename is a simpler solution, assuming you haven't also loaded other ad blocking mechanisms

right now, it uses these for starters


platform.twitter.com
www.google-analytics.com
cdn.optimizely.com
www.awin1.com
tags.mediaforge.com
data.captifymedia.com
ib.adnxs.com
a.adroll.com
ad-emea.doubleclick.net
a1.vdna-assets.com
www.googleadservices.com
fls.doubleclick.net

Kernel_Sanders

bsod wrote: »

the only one that matters is 507kB,

Now I find I can't even open that! Windows comes up with 'This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Folder Options control panel.' Well, IDK what that means or how to rectify it, and frankly, finding out will just be throwing good time after bad.
I really just want to restore to factory settings and add modern programmes as I need them.

AndyPix

The hosts file has no file extension, so windows doesn't know what program you want to use to open it ..

right click - open with - notepad

GunJack

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

Now I find I can't even open that! Windows comes up with 'This file does not have a program associated with it for performing this action. Create an association in the Folder Options control panel.' Well, IDK what that means or how to rectify it, and frankly, finding out will just be throwing good time after bad.
I really just want to restore to factory settings and add modern programmes as I need them.

that will take a loooong time

bsod

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

I really just want to restore to factory settings.

crack on with that then

or replace the f in fyst

"C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories\wordpad" c:\windows\fystem32\drivers\etc\hosts

ptrichardson

You are using Windows XP, online???

Don't.
Seriously.

Kernel_Sanders

AndyPix wrote: »

The hosts file has no file extension, so windows doesn't know what program you want to use to open it ..

right click - open with - notepad

That's what I did do; the message appears immediately after right-clicking.

bsod wrote: »

crack on with that then

or replace the f in fyst

"C:\Program Files\Windows NT\Accessories\wordpad" c:\windows\fystem32\drivers\etc\hosts

Well I can't until I can be assured I won't lose the updates since SP3 (the whole point of the thread).
I've really no idea what I should replace f with or even why.

bod1467

Is the path really fystem32? Does that folder really exist within the Windows folder?

(It was shown that way so the path could be posted ... the forum blocks posts with the real name).