I did'nt think commercial software would work for me as I am an experienced computer user of many years and I would bypass the software rather easily so I investigated further as to how I could block gambling websites.
This method was used on Windows 7, I think it will be the same for vista but Win XP it may not work on.
It is a little long winded so I will explain in stages:
1. Have to hand a list of websites you want to block. They must start with www. not https.
2. Go to start>computer and from your C: drive (or your drive where windows is installed) go to Windows/System32/drivers/etc. in the 'etc' folder you will see a file called 'hosts' right-click it and 'open'..then choose notepad.
3. To add websites to block type at the bottem of the page 127.0.0.1 followed by the website address for example '127.0.0.1 www.xxxxxxxxxx.com'
To keep on adding websites press enter and add the 127.0.0.1 etc on the next line
4. Now close the notepad window and save changes...
5. To stop yourself reediting the file and simply deleting the websites you have to change the permissions of the file...I will now explain how to do this.
6. Right-click the file and go to 'properties' and then select the 'security' tab. You should see 3 options in a box here...below that is 'edit' click on 'edit'. Now select the 'administrators' in the box (thats you basically) and tick the top box under the 'deny' column which says 'full control'.
Now click OK to all the boxes that popup with warnings and you have blocked access to that particular file...you may no longer edit it, so make sure you got all the websites you need in the initial stages because there is no going back!
7. The final stage is to really make sure you can never go back...delete all system restore points...
8. Go to start and right-click 'computer' and select 'properties'. Select 'system protection' on the left. Press the 'configure' button. Press the 'delete' button to delete all system restore points.
And you are finished!
Just remember this method is irreversible and you do it at your own risk. I can take no responsibly for anything that happens should it go wrong!
If someone should see a flaw in this method please feel free to add a comment and tell everyone about it!
Cheers!
Nick
Hi Nick,
A good idea, but there is 1 flaw.
You can not update it with the numerous new sites that pop up on almost a daily basis. Plus there is a way around this, athough i'm not going to put the method on here as it probably wouldn't be that helpful to anyone that wants to try this.
The blocking software is actually really good... and I would challenge you to find a way around it. Many have tried and failed, including some of the best programmers out there. The bonus is that it also updates itself to include new sites, so you have protection that will not go out of date.
As a temporary quick fix on the cheap, i agree this is a good idea that could work. But I do not think this is a substitute for a proper blocker if that is the route you want to go down. Plus, you never know what implications this change to the system may have down the line in system updates etc.
Yeah it is a bit limited I guess. I was a bit excited at finding the method because the internet is a massive factor in my gambling and this will help me out a lot. I too found a way around it shortly after posting it on here but now I have done something to the file and I dont even know what I have done but I cannot edit it if I wanted to now lol...
Just thought I would share it thx for the feedback 🙂
Hi Nick I work with computers too so I know how to get around the blocks. This cost me!!! Is there any way to block gambling? I rang sky and they couldn't do it. I asked my bank to block me depositing to casinos and they refused. I could get rid of broadband but that would mean everyone here would suffer.I don't know what to do
Hi Hollie
I have Gamblock and fortunatly I don't know and do not wish to know how to unblock it so this still works for me. However with regards to your bank how about having a no overdraft account and a limited card like electron that stops some online purchases you could also draw most of your cash out and put it some sort of low intrest savings where you can take cash out but not ust the card for any other purchase. My kids have this sort of account and I think its given by banks to individuals with debt problems as well.
good luck
Lorrie
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