restricting access to websites

[TEAK36]

how do I restrict access to specific websites. I have tried going into the restricted sites of the security tab in internet option, and have added a couple of websites to the restricted zone, but I can still access these websites.The only difference is that they now have a little restricted icon at the bottom of the page.

Can anyone tell me how to completely ban access to specific sites. I am using XP Home.

[Ethel]

Which browser are you using? This works for IE 5 and 6 - but could prove to be a nuisance, as it allows access to specific sites only, rather than restricting certain sites:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/267930

[Llamatron]

You could just add the sites you want to block to your hosts file.

In C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc you'll find a text file called hosts.
Open it in Notepad and add the website you want blocking like this:

127.0.0.1 www.myblockedwebsite.com

Your web browser will then try and get to the website using the wrong address and so the site will fail.

[jenstar]

Using the hosts file is very good for blocking adservers! You can download lists of adservers off the web and just cut & paste into yoyur hosts file, and hey presto! 99% of annoying banner ads just disappear!

[TEAK36]

Hi All,

Many thanks for your answers.I have tried to block the sites by using the hosts file, and it has worked for all but one site. The site that I cannot block is a .co.uk site whereas all the others I blocked are .com sites. Does using the hosts file not work with .co.uk sites?

If you want to try it yourself, the site I am trying to block is www.digitalspy.co.uk