Connection issues after messing with HOST file

[chrisdab]

I have a problem with my internet connection lately from just one computer in my house. When dloading from emule even if its a small amount, I lose the ability to browse or connect with any other program. I have also noticed when using Firefox browser that when a separate tab is downloading a page the browser hangs for a second while it waits for that page to load. I dont notice any of these problems on my second computer.

I noticed these problems after trying to HOST files for IP blocking. I followed the Wilders Security Post http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=78363 on blocking host IPs but I dont know if I messed up or what went wrong.

1) While I didnt save my host file when I copied the BISS host file, I think the generic (127.0.0.1 localhost) would be fine right? That is what I am using now for my host file.

2) I also altered Run > services.msc > DNS Client Properties in order to work with the big host file. I had set it to disabled but I now set it to automatic once I went back to the 127.0.0.1 localhost file. I am also not sure if I also altered the DHCP Client Properties on accident but that is also set to automatic.

I tried searching the internet for answers but cant find any, so if you can help me your awesome.

Thanks

 

[FlyingPenguin]

Are you certain that this is a problem with your computer and not your connection? Are there other computers on your network and are they browsing okay?

Yes all you need is 127.0.0.1 localhost

I have never agreed with using the HOSTS file to for IP blocking. Large HOST files cause problems.

This is a handy utility for working with HOSTS files: http://www.majorgeeks.com/Hoster_d4626.html

Tampering with the settings you played with in the Registry is also VERY risky unless you create backups of any entries before modifying them, which I highly recommend.

You can always use System Restore to go back to a restore point prior to when you altered the registry. Due to the way system restore works, I'd recommend going back AT LEAST a week before you made the changes. If you're not sure of the exact date, go back a month. Just be aware that any file OUTSIDE the "My Documents" folder will also revert to the state they were in on that date.

 

[chrisdab]

I agree HOSTS werent even needed since I was filtering bad IPs already. But I wanted to try it out. Now I cant go back.

 

[chrisdab]

UPDATE: I finally found out the problem I was having. When I changed the DNS Client Properties, it reset the max connections for tcpip.sys back to 10. Windows XP set a limit of 10 max concurrent connections in its SP2 update. More information can be found about this at www.speedguide.net/read_articles.php?id=1497 or www.lvllord.de.

I forgot that I changed my max connections many months ago, so I didnt know waht gimped my connection. So now I increased my max connections to unlimited and my p2p downloads are uber fast again.

Chris