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Published Dec 05, 2007 | Updated Sep 15, 2017

SettingsModifier:Win32/PossibleHostsFileHijack

Detected by Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Aliases: Trojan.Win32.Qhost (Kaspersky) Qhosts.apd (McAfee)

Summary

Windows Defender detects and removes this unwanted software.

This program makes changes to the Hosts file on your PC. 

The Hosts file is used by your web browser to work out where to go. Malicious or unwanted software can change this file to stop you from going to certain websites, or to force you to go to other websites instead.

If you have changed the Hosts file yourself, you need to exclude it from detection by your antivirus software.

This program poses a moderate/medium threat to your PC.

Use the following free Microsoft software to detect and remove this threat:

You should also run a full scan. A full scan might find other, hidden threats.

Reset the Hosts file

This unwanted software might change the contents of your Hosts file:

Exclude the Hosts file

If you have made changes to your Hosts file, you may need to exclude the Hosts file from scanning by your security software.

Get more help

You can also visit our advanced troubleshooting page or search the Microsoft virus and malware community for more help.

If you’re using Windows XP, see our Windows XP end of support page.

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