Block ad sites with Hosts file - not working ?

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I have a customized hosts file with sites as adultfriendfinder.com,
doubleclick.com, fling.com .... and the like included in it.
However, I find that embedded ads as well as occasional popups from these
(and other sites included in the hosts file) appear both in Internet
Explorer as well as Firefox!
The syntax used is correct AFAIK. For example:
127.0.0.1 doubleclick.com
Is there something I am overlooking?
TIA
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[Rubicon]

Response at bottom:

I highly recommend PRIVOXY for what you're trying to do:

www.privoxy.org

It can be complex (as it's a powerful tool), but a basic install w/ the
default settings works very well without any tweaking at all. If you like
to tweak then it's very flexable, but read the excellent manual first!

I've used this for years and it works very well. It's still actively
supported and a new version is almost ready for release. The development
team is still active and adding features, tho it is a mature and stable
product.

RE: hosts files, look at the MVPS hosts file (updated monthly), and read
the info at their site, especially re: disabling the DNS Service w/ a
large hosts file. I use this too, in conjunction w/ Privoxy. Together
they protect you from most ad-junk, drive-by malware, and the well known
bad-guy sites.

Good Luck...

Thanks for the informative response. I will be following your suggestions
this weekend!
BTW - is this what you are referring to? -
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
Regards and thanks again!
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