Is it possible to block a specific incoming address on your home pc?

Question

I have a very annoying add type pop-up that keeps getting thru my pop-up blocker! Is there a way to block one specific address? Oddly it seems to always pop-up at certain times, always when I am logging on to my yahoo mail page.

Answer 1

yes,try raising your security level`s

Answer 2

It is possible but it is moderately difficult to setup. The process involves changing the hosts file. The MVPS website provides step-by-step instructions on how to block ads by editing the hosts file:

1. "Are you annoyed with pop-ups everywhere?" -- written by mvps.org (http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/nopopups.htm)

2. "Blocking Unwanted Parasites with a Hosts File" -- written by mvps.org (http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm). Despite its title, the article shows you how to correctly edit the hosts file.

What it [hosts file] does ...
The Hosts file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. This file is loaded into memory (cache) at startup, then Windows checks the Hosts file before it queries any DNS servers, which enables it to override addresses in the DNS. This prevents access to the listed sites by redirecting any connection attempts back to the local machine. Another feature of the HOSTS file is its ability to block other applications from connecting to the Internet, providing the entry exists.

You can use a HOSTS file to block ads, banners, 3rd party Cookies, 3rd party page counters, web bugs, and even most hijackers. This is accomplished by blocking the connection(s) that supplies these little gems.

Example - the following entry 127.0.0.1 ad.doubleclick.net blocks all files supplied by that DoubleClick Server to the web page you are viewing. This also prevents the server from tracking your movements. Why? ... because in certain cases "Ad Servers" like Doubleclick (and many others) will try to open a separate connection on the webpage you are viewing.