Member Avatar for Mishoboy

Hello guys,
I was wondering if it's possible to block a particular web site from displaying in IE on Windows XP? I tried to add the address in the Restricted zone but, I can still open the added web site. Any suggestions? Thanks a lot for your help.

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As found, putting a site into IE’s Restricted zone won’t stop the page from opening — it only tightens what the page is allowed to do (scripts, ActiveX, etc.). As suggested, a hostname-level block (hosts file) is a simple start, but for a dependable result combine a few measures: a hosts-file redirect, network/DNS filtering at the router, and a locked-down Windows account so the person cannot undo changes.

Practical hosts-file steps (Windows XP): log on with an Administrator account, open Notepad, choose File → Open, set file type to “All Files” and open
C:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
Add lines mapping domains to localhost, for example:

# block example gambling domains
127.0.0.1   poker.example.com
127.0.0.1   www.poker.example.com

Save the file, then run ipconfig /flushdns from a command prompt to clear the resolver cache. Verify with a DNS/ ping lookup — blocked names should resolve to 127.0.0.1.

Why this isn’t foolproof: the hosts file has no wildcards, can be bypassed by using a different domain, direct IP, proxy or VPN, and can be reversed by anyone with admin rights. For broader coverage, put filtering at the router (or use a DNS filtering resolver) so all devices on the network are covered. If the router lacks these features, install reputable parental-control software or enforce IP/DNS blocks on a firewall that supports outbound rules. Create a limited user account for the friend and keep the Administrator password secret so blocks can’t be undone.

Combine technical controls with non-technical help (support groups, self-exclusion from gambling sites) — technology can reduce temptation but is rarely a complete solution on its own.

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Member Avatar for chrisbliss18

If you are on a broadband connection that goes through a router, you might want to check your router setup. Sometimes routers have parental controls that allow for site blocking.

There are some other options, but it would help to know why you want to block access to the site. Who do you want to prevent from accessing the site? How much technical knowledge and system access do they have?

Member Avatar for Mishoboy

dThank you for your reply. The PC it's on a boradband connection but the router has no parental control. What I'm trying to block is couple onlien casino's and poker sites. My good friend has gambling problem and not much computer knowledge. So I want to prevent him from playing poker online, cause he can't control his habit. So I'm trying to help him. Thanks for your time and help again.

Member Avatar for chrisbliss18

As nice an idea as that is, unfortunately there are just too many sites to block. If you block the sites that he goes to frequently and he truely has an addiction problem, he will most likely just end up going to another poker site. I don't believe that this is an issue that you can resolve with tech.

Keeping all that in mind, it is possible to prevent sites from loading up properly based upon their domain name. Check out information about creating a Hosts file.

Member Avatar for Mishoboy

Thank you for the quick reply as usual. I was hoping that there would be a program that would allow me to block specific URLs but oh well. Thank you again. I'll read up on the Host File subject :)

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