Question

can I use a #include in a hosts file

Asked by: TBousky

Hello,

      Is it possible to use the #include command in a hosts file? I see the command documented in a LMHOSTS file but not the hosts file. I am trying to include a common hosts file from a NAS device into all of my systems.

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Asked On
2007-08-24 at 04:02:25ID22784679
Tags

file

,

hosts

,

include

Topics

Windows 95 - 98 Networking

,

Domain Name Service (DNS)

,

Networking Protocols

Participating Experts
2
Points
500
Comments
4

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Answers

 

by: m1tk4Posted on 2007-08-24 at 05:43:57ID: 19761569

No, the hosts file does not support inclusions.

 

by: BillBachPosted on 2007-08-24 at 14:04:15ID: 19765477

You can emulate it with a basic login script -- useful if you can be sure that login scripts will fire.  It would require the copying of the original HOSTS file to a new name (HOSTS.ORG).  Then, at login time, run a command like this:
    COPY C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC\HOSTS.ORG+F:\HOSTS.INC   C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC\HOSTS.
(Could probably also use UNC paths, of course.)

Unfortunately, this means that if you do need to change the local HOSTS file, you must always remember to modify the HOSTS.ORG file (or the changes will be lost on the next reboot).  Also, if you need it in order to find the login script, things won't quite work so well, either.

 

by: TBouskyPosted on 2007-08-24 at 18:10:00ID: 19766441

Hello,

         Can I use the LMHOSTS file instead and will it allow me to achieve the same goal? I am trying to block access to certain sites. I tried the copy as suggested by BillBach, thanks great idea, but when the .bat file executed the wireless network wasn't yet connected so I could not get access to the NAS device. Not sure how to have the script execute after all the other startup tasks are completed.

 

by: BillBachPosted on 2007-08-26 at 11:39:21ID: 19771756

Where did you have the script?  If you use a Network Login Script (either NetWare or Microsoft login scripts should work), then these scripts should be provided by the server at login time, thus they should be available.  )In other words, don't make it part of AUTOEXEC.BAT on the workstations.)

The LMHosts file is specifically used by Microsoft LanManager (thus the "LM"), and will address the ability to access other servers via Microsoft protocols, but will not provide a way to block access to specific web sites.


Of course, if your REAL goal is to block access to specific sites (i.e, porn, gambling), then a hardware-based firewall with content filter, such as the SonicWall, may be a better solution.

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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