Opening Hosts file to remove parasite

[Craig]

I run XP Pro and I'm trying to open my Hosts file at
C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\Hosts to remove some
parasitic code. When I click on Hosts, a Windows box pops
up informing me that "Windows cannot open Hosts" and
invites me to associate the file with software currently
on my computer or to search the web for software that will
open Hosts.

I have been unsuccesful in both pursuits. I'm just trying
to delete any code in Hosts that relates to "google," so
that the parasitic software I inadvertantly downloaded
will stop diverting me from my favorite search engine.

I've downloaded all my critical updates and also
downloaded and tried a Spybot scan for nuisance software,
without success.

Can someone help me open Hosts?

Craig

Thanks,
Craig

 

[David Jones]

Open Notepad (start->Run, "notepad.exe")
Inside notepad, open the Hosts file.

 

[Kent W. England [MVP]]

You are barking up the wrong tree. That file is no longer your hosts
file. You need to read and follow the directions at
http://vil.nai.com/vil/content/v_100719.htm

Sorry, but the directions you are reading are wrong.