Problems Using Internet Explorer with Incorrect Hosts File (219843)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 for Windows 98
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.01 for Windows 95 SP 1
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.02 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.01 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 2.0 for Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q219843

SYMPTOMS

When you try to connect to a Web site using Internet Explorer, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
  • You may receive one or more of the following error messages:
    • Internet Explorer cannot open the Internet site Web address. A connection with the server could not be established.
      Internet Explorer cannot open the internet site URL: Web site the connection to the server was reset.
  • Internet Explorer may display a different Web site than the one you specify in the Address box.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if a Hosts file with incorrect entries exists in the Windows folder.

RESOLUTION

To work around this behavior, use the appropriate method:

Method 1

NOTE: Do not perform the following steps unless you determine that your computer does not need a Hosts file. To determine if you need a Hosts file, contact your network administrator.

If your computer is not connected to a network, or does not require a Hosts file for Domain Name System (DNS) resolution, rename the Hosts file to "Backup of Hosts file". To rename a file, right-click the file, type the new name, and then press ENTER.

NOTE: Do not perform the following steps without contacting your network administrator.

Method 2

If your computer is connected to a network that requires a Hosts file, edit the Hosts file and disable all lines that refer to the Web site Internet Protocol (IP) addresses you are unable to view. To do so, place a number sign (#) at the beginning of each line that contains the IP address of the Web site you are unable to view.

MORE INFORMATION

For information about Hosts files and DNS, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

143193 Internet Explorer Name Resolution

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:12/8/2003
Keywords:kberrmsg kbnetwork kbprb kbui KB219843
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.