Restriced Sites vs hosts file

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mike
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M

Mike

What are the differences, if any, in using one or both of these items,
regardless of Windows or IE version?
I would assume they both do the same thing. Or is it a timing matter?

Just curious
Thanks.
 
What are the differences, if any, in using one or both of these items,
regardless of Windows or IE version?
I would assume they both do the same thing. Or is it a timing matter?

Just curious
Click to expand...

Interesting question.
IE Restricted Sites will give you access to the website but with
limitations imposed (those you've specified in the IE Tools/Internet
Options/Security/Restricted Sites/Custom Level settings).

HOSTS file is much tighter in that it will redirect any website
address to wherever you have specified, usually 127.0.0.1 but it could
be anywhere. So, you wouldn't normally be able to access the website
at all if it's listed in HOSTS.

Where there is a conflict between the two, I believe HOSTS takes
priority over IE option settings but I'm not 100% sure on that.
 
Thank You for the Information
Plus, the Hosts file would cover ALL browsers whereas restricted sites is IE
specific
 
Thank You for the Information
Plus, the Hosts file would cover ALL browsers.....
Click to expand...

Not sure about that. It would depend on whether another browser
is designed to utilise the HOSTS file. I guess most of them are.

It's also worth considering where a firewall comes into play...
AIUI, a firewall overrides both of the others, so if you have
cookies turned off in a firewall but turned on in IE, the firewall
takes priority.
 
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