I have been using the MVP host file, with a couple additions of my own, for some time. I am also using the current version of Spybot S & D. I wasn't paying close attention, though and didn't notice (or realize) that immunizing with Spybot replaced my host file with it's own. I've tried immunizing with the option for Global (hosts) unchecked but now I'm left with a pretty much blank host file (just a bunch of comments) even though I had redone the MVP file before the last time I updated Spybot.

I also have a whole bunch of backups of the host file, probably generated by Spybot. Can I just delete these backups? They aren't very big, but they are cluttering up the folder. I have attached a pic of the folder (mostly, the SERVICES, PROTOCOL, NETWORKS, LMHOSTS.SAM all scrolled off the bottom of the screen).

You may want to add hosts to the spybot's list of baddies using notepad..... That way you can import your hosts list to their ofline "includes" update, S&D's host list is stored in in "hosts.sbs" import your list into there; using their format; before running the includes update. On a side note; If the above isn't something that you want to do. I found a good practice that recommends replacing the hosts file all together; delete the hosts file from windows folder; replace it with the original from your windows install CD, or system restore cd i386\hosts\ then instert the mvps hosts list into the newly replaced hosts file on your local drive.. Then "add" S&D's list to your hosts file via the S&D's tool. If it continues to replace your hosts file, try my first recommendation..