Inactive Microsoft and AV sites not opening due to 127.0.0.1

[Alistair]

I have a laptop that cannot open any microsoft sites, or any AV sites.

I ran a virus check using MSE and it came up clean.
I installed Spybot S&D, it would not run, I managed to run it from the backup file it installs for instances such as this, and it came up clean too.

I have checked the host file and all that was in it was a bunch of entries added by Spybot S&D. I replaced it with a default host file and I still cannot open any AV sites.

If I ping these domains, I can see it is trying to reach 127.0.0.1

Can anyone advise on how to remove whatever is blocking these sites.

Thanks.

 

[DelJo63]

The 127.0.0.1 address NEVER routes to anything outside your system. The HOSTS file entries
with this address is a protection technique (ie these sites should not be access for whatever reason).

When we install an A/V product, this address is typically used for the web-proxy service which
operates like this:

browser or email - - - - - 127.0.0.1(Proxy Service)
                                  |
                           filter / protect access
                                  |
                                  +--- if allowed --------> ISP
                                                                        |
                            <---------------------------------+

If you are seeing errors on 127.0.0.1, investigate your A/V (uninstall / reinstall recommended)

 

[DelJo63]

entries added by Spybot S&D. I replaced it with a default host

you have to reboot if you change the HOSTS file contents

 

[Broni]

Welcome aboard

Please, complete all steps listed here: https://www.techspot.com/community/...lware-removal-preliminary-instructions.58138/
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Attached logs won't be reviewed.

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