Why is my HOSTS file trying to be changed when WinMX launches?

[reckless]

Hi everyone. I have a software application called Win Patrol installed on my machine.  Each time I launch WinMx, while it's still searching for a network, I receive a message asking for my permission to allow my HOSTS file to be changed. Before I deny the request I have the option to see what the proposed change is. I see that it wants to add   "207.210.117.53      newbielink:http://www.winmx.com [nonactive]"

When I do an Arin /whois on IP 207.210.117.53, it resolves to this:

OrgName:    Global Net Access, LLC
OrgID:      GNAL-2
Address:    1100 White St SW
City:       Atlanta
StateProv:  GA
PostalCode: 30310
Country:    US

Does anyone know why an attempt is being made to modify my HOSTS file to the IP of Global Net Access each time I launch WinMX?

[KM]

that entry s used for the update bar at the top of winmx (where it displays "Patch Operational") - winmx loads it from www.winmx.com, which doesn't exist any more so it redirects it to the new servers

it is purely a cosmetic thing and won't break anything if you disallow it (although it is useful to notify of updates)

[reckless]

Thanks for the quick reply, KM. I figured my disallowing it wasn't causing any real problem as I was still able to get into chat, do searches... all that stuff.

Now there is one less question in life to keep me up at night.   

[MXC_michael]

would it be a idea to rename the hosts file to "backup" before replacing it with ur host file?

[SamSeeSam]

ermmm the host file isn't being replaced... just modified.
In any case a normal host file is aviable on the internet.
Just google "Host file" and get the file.

Cheers

[KM]

it removes the entry again when winmx is closed - so there is no point in making a backup copy (plus if you really wanted to "restore" it manually without closing winmx you could just open it with notepad and remove that 1 line from the bottom...)

[MXC_michael]

it may just be me then, but my hosts file was deleted, and replaced with a 1kb hosts file with just your modification. and mine was a modified one Samsee  so i cant just google it. no big deal  just thought it might be a idea

[MXC_michael]

this is before mx is opened host file is 4kb.

[MXC_michael]

this is after i have opened mx using the dll as the connection method.       sorry for posting same pic twice.
its just replacing it and i lost my host file    ..

[KM]

the only reason it would shrink that much is if it was filled with loads of blank lines, or lines full of winmx entries (which are removed as they are unnecessary)

[MXC_michael]

well yeah i had the host file directing to other caches that have been setup  and now i lost that work    , they wernt unneccissary either although i see where ur comming from.  thanks anyways.