Windows XP Question: HOSTS File

Factual Questions
1

I’m having a curious problem I hope someone can help me with. My computer does not seem to be reading the HOSTS file properly. I have several entries for computers on our network in there, but I cannot ping the computers by name, only by IP.

If I try pinging the computer by name, I get a message back saying “Ping request could not find host…”. This was working fine up until today. However, when I came in to work today, I found that my DNS Server entry in the TCP/IP Properties had been changed from “Automatic” to some fixed IP - I had not changed this.

I ran a virus scan, and installed SpyBot Search and Destroy to see if I could figure out what had altered my settings. No virii were found. SBS&D found the usual cookies (such as DoubleClick), but nothing seemed unusual. I changed the properties back to get the DNS address automatically.

I’ve rebooted several time, tried changing the HOSTS file, tried putting the entries in the LMHOSTS file, all with no success. If any one has some suggestions, I’d be very greatful. I’m using Windows XP Pro.

Thanks!

2

What kind of network is it and why do you need a HOSTS file?

3

It looks like you may be the victim of a trojan that was recently mentioned in another thread.

4

Thanks Number! That seems to have been my problem. I manually cleaned things up, and the HOSTS file is working properly again. Thanks again for your help.