Trouble renaming/replacing HOSTS file in ETC.

[Guest]

I am unable to rename the HOSTS file on my laptop running XP. It says that
there is another program using it but there are no other programs open. My
other two desktops are able to rename the file.Since our last conversation I
have tried safe mode and was able to rename the hosts file in the ETC
directory. This would obviously be a pain to have to go to safe mode to
replace the HOSTS file and I'm needing to correct the problem another way. It
seems there is a driver that is using the file. I have tried stopping
Zonealarm and AVG. I have also tried stopping processes in my name one at a
time to see if I could find the culprit. I have not tried to stop all system
prosesses as I don't know which ones are critical. Any ideas?

 

[Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE]

I am unable to rename the HOSTS file on my laptop running XP. It says
that there is another program using it but there are no other
programs open. My other two desktops are able to rename the
file.Since our last conversation I have tried safe mode and was able
to rename the hosts file in the ETC directory. This would obviously
be a pain to have to go to safe mode to replace the HOSTS file and
I'm needing to correct the problem another way. It seems there is a
driver that is using the file. I have tried stopping Zonealarm and
AVG. I have also tried stopping processes in my name one at a time to
see if I could find the culprit. I have not tried to stop all system
prosesses as I don't know which ones are critical. Any ideas?

Some anti-spyware programs protect HOSTS.
Otherwise, why is it such a pain to use Safe Mode?

--
Frank Saunders, MS-MVP OE
Please respond in Newsgroup. Do not send email
http://www.fjsmjs.com
Protect your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the idea, I'll check it.

Unless there is a way to get to safe mode without rebooting I would rather
just download the new file and drag and drop on the ETC folder.

 

[Leythos]

What!? You have windows not a Macintosh, reboot your system. That is
probably why you are having trouble with that file.

 

[Guest]

OOPS, Sorry!