I had a huge problem accessing some site recently. I fixed the problem by editing my host file. I'm not sure what the host file does & how it got all these website names in it. I think it has something to do with Spybot S&D. I don't know if its a good idea to post the contents of my host file here or not. I'll just post some of it. If its ok to post the whole list please let me know.

Copyright © 1993-1999 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host

(Then 20+ websites)

# Start of entries inserted by Spybot - Search & Destroy
# End of entries inserted by Spybot - Search & Destroy


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1) How did the websites get added to the host file?
2) Should the websites stay there or get deleted?
3) After finished with the host file should it be save as "read only" or not?
Thanks you for you help!