If the popup persists after updating your hosts file with the latest entries, try locating the missing additional line manually using the method outlined in the 'Hosts File / Firewall Rule Manual Setup' section.

Create a scheduled task that uses the command line flag AdobeGenP.exe -updatehosts to auto-update the hosts file daily at a set time, whether you are logged in or not.

If the scheduled task is missed because your device is off, the task is configured to run as soon as possible after the missed scheduled start.

Before running the scheduled task for the first time, you will need to clean your hosts file and remove all existing Adobe-related lines.

To edit your hosts file, open Notepad (as Admin), go to FILE > OPEN > C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc <- Copy and paste this directory to the file explorer bar, press enter and select the file "hosts".

⚠️ (If you do not see it, make sure you’re looking for All file types (*.*) and NOT Text files (*.txt))

Note, that when saving your hosts file from Notepad you need to change the Save as type to All file types (*.*) and NOT Text files (*.txt) or Notepad will always try to tack on a .txt extension.

If you get told that you don't have permission to save the hosts file back into your etc folder as you didn't follow the steps and open Notepad (as Admin), you will have to save it to your desktop instead.

There you should check it has been saved as file and NOT .txt by going to your Explorer window and View > Show > File Name Extensions. Check your hosts file name, if it says hosts.txt you need to remove the .txt and agree to the changes. You then cut and paste it back into your etc folder, saying yes to replace your existing hosts file.

(...) CREATING THE SCHEDULED TASK

You have a choice between two methods for the scheduled task: Basic and Advanced.

Basic Method: Updates the hosts file with the latest lines.

Advanced Method: Backs up the hosts file before each update, retrieves the latest blocklist entries, verifies changes, and reverts to the backup or a clean fallback if necessary. It includes robust error handling, retry logic, and automatic management of read-only attributes. Additionally, if the primary update fails, the script falls back to a predefined backup source to ensure continuity and reliability. All actions are logged for transparency. The task is scheduled to run as a system-level task every three hours, ensuring safe and consistent updates with full recovery options.

Note: The Basic Method provides a simple update without backup or error handling. If you want a more reliable setup with recovery options and automated validation, the Advanced Method is recommended.

Note: If you use your hosts file for additional entries unrelated to Adobe, the Basic Method requires that it ends with a blank line to ensure seamless addition of new entries. In the Advanced Method, add them separately to hosts.plain as instructed in the guide.

BASIC METHOD - SCHEDULED TASK ONLY:

To set a scheduled task to update the hosts file using PowerShell, follow these steps:

Make sure to replace both C:\GenP.v3.6.4-CGP\GenP 3.6.4.exe and C:\GenP.v3.6.4-CGP with the path to your own GenP 3.6.4.exe file before running.

1. Use the following command in PowerShell (as Admin) to create the scheduled task:

$action = New-ScheduledTaskAction -Execute "C:\GenP.v3.6.4-CGP\GenP 3.6.4.exe" -Argument "-updatehosts" -WorkingDirectory "C:\GenP.v3.6.4-CGP"
$trigger = New-ScheduledTaskTrigger -Daily -At "00:00AM"
$settings = New-ScheduledTaskSettingsSet -AllowStartIfOnBatteries -DontStopIfGoingOnBatteries -StartWhenAvailable -MultipleInstances IgnoreNew -ExecutionTimeLimit (New-TimeSpan -Minutes 1)
$settings.WakeToRun = $false
Register-ScheduledTask -TaskName "UpdateHostsFile" -Action $action -Trigger $trigger -Settings $settings -User "SYSTEM" -RunLevel Highest -Force
Start-Process -FilePath "SCHTASKS" -ArgumentList "/End /TN UpdateHostsFile" -NoNewWindow -Wait
Start-Process -FilePath "powershell.exe" -ArgumentList "-Command exit"
Stop-Process -Id $PID -Force
exit

Compatibility Considerations: The script is optimised for Windows 10 and Windows 11 to ensure broad compatibility. However, execution may be affected by various system-specific factors, including:

Differences in hardware specifications and regional settings.

Security software (such as antivirus programs) interfering with file modifications.

User permissions and Administrative privileges. The script requires elevated access to modify system files. Run PowerShell as Administrator to prevent execution errors.

Pre-existing modifications to system files, particularly hosts.

Performance Considerations: On older systems or those with strict security settings, execution may take longer or require manual intervention.

For troubleshooting, see the 'Error Handling' section later in the guide.

2. This command will create a scheduled task named UpdateHostsFile in Task Scheduler.

3. The UpdateHostsFile task is now set up and in "Ready" status, waiting for the scheduled time to run.

Note: If you have Task Scheduler open while running the PowerShell script, you may need to close and reopen it to see the newly created task.

Note: If the task fails, first check that your internet connection allows access to the required URL for GenP.exe, as mentioned in Option 1 of the Hosts File / Firewall Rule Manual Setup. If connectivity is fine, manually run the UpdateHostsFile task in Task Scheduler. If, on a rare occasion, the hosts file fails to save properly, delete it, rename hosts.bak to hosts, and re-run the task. If it still fails, manually add the lines as described in Option 1.

4. To test it immediately, open Task Scheduler, right-click on the UpdateHostsFile task, and select "Run."

Error Handling: If the PowerShell window remains open after running the command, it indicates an error.

Common issues include:

Not running PowerShell as an Administrator, which is required for this operation.

Specifying an incorrect path to the .exe file. Verify that the file path matches its actual location on your system.

SYSTEM account access limitations. The SYSTEM account may not have access to user-specific directories like the Desktop. If your GenP folder is saved on the Desktop (e.g., C:\Users\User\Desktop\GenP.v3.6.4-CGP\GenP 3.6.4.exe), this may prevent the scheduled task from running properly.

To resolve this, move the folder to a root directory such as C:\ or D:\, ensuring SYSTEM has unrestricted access. Then, update the file paths accordingly to match the examples already used in the script.

Verify line breaks in PowerShell. Before pasting the script into PowerShell, copy it into Notepad to confirm that each command appears on a separate line. PowerShell only supports single-line scripts when commands are correctly separated using semicolons (;). Incorrect formatting may cause errors or prevent the script from executing properly.

To troubleshoot, confirm that you opened PowerShell with Administrative privileges, double-check the file path, ensure the GenP folder is stored in a system-wide accessible location, and verify that the script maintains proper formatting before re-running it.

First Use:

It will create a backup of your existing hosts file (hosts.bak). Do not delete it. Keeping this backup ensures you can revert to it if needed.

Ongoing Use:

Your hosts file will be updated daily, with all the latest entries contained between two commented lines, like this:

# START - Adobe Blocklist
(Latest lines contained within here) 
# END - Adobe Blocklist

Note: If your device is off during a scheduled execution, Task Scheduler will run the task as soon as possible after the system is powered back on.

Run Task On Demand:

You can manually run the UpdateHostsFile task in Task Scheduler at any time to update the lines if they've changed during the day or night.

ADVANCED METHOD – SCHEDULED TASK, BACKUP ON EVERY RUN, VERIFICATION, REVERT TO BACKUP ON FAILURE, LOGGING, ERROR HANDLING, AND RETRY MECHANISMS:

Note: If your hosts file contains custom entries (e.g., for non-Adobe apps or services), remove them and instead add them to a new file named hosts.plain within your etc folder. The script will keep these entries intact and prevent them from being overwritten during updates. On the next scheduled run, it will merge the contents of hosts.plain with the updated blocklist, preserving both your custom entries and the latest blocklist. If you don't use custom entries or require the additional file, you can skip this step as the script will function normally without it, applying updates directly to the hosts file while maintaining backup integrity.

To set up a scheduled task that backs up the hosts file before each update, retrieves the latest blocklist entries, verifies the changes, and reverts to the backup if necessary, includes robust error handling, retry mechanisms, and the ability to handle read-only attributes smoothly, follow these steps:

Make sure to replace C:\GenP.v3.6.4-CGP\GenP 3.6.4.exe with the path to your own GenP 3.6.4.exe file before running.

1. Use the following command in PowerShell (as Admin) to create the required PS1 file:

$scriptDir = "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc"
$scriptPath = "$scriptDir\UpdateHostsFile.ps1"
if (Get-ScheduledTask -TaskName "UpdateHostsFile" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue) { Unregister-ScheduledTask -TaskName "UpdateHostsFile" -Confirm:$false }
if (-not (Test-Path -Path $scriptDir)) { New-Item -ItemType Directory -Path $scriptDir -Force }
Set-Content -Path $scriptPath -Value @'
$logDirectory = "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc"
$logFile = "$logDirectory\UpdateHostsFile.log"
if (-not (Test-Path -Path $logDirectory)) { New-Item -ItemType Directory -Path $logDirectory -Force }
Set-Content -Path $logFile -Value $null
function Write-Log {
    param ([string]$message)
    $timestamp = Get-Date -Format "yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss"
    $logEntry = "$timestamp - $message"
    Add-Content -Path $logFile -Value $logEntry
}
function Test-IsAdmin {
    if (-not ([Security.Principal.WindowsPrincipal] [Security.Principal.WindowsIdentity]::GetCurrent()).IsInRole([Security.Principal.WindowsBuiltInRole]::Administrator)) {
        Write-Log "This script requires administrative privileges. Please run PowerShell as Administrator."
        Write-Output "This script requires administrative privileges. Please run PowerShell as Administrator."
        exit
    }
}
function SafeFileOperation {
    param (
        [string]$Action,
        [string]$Source,
        [string]$Destination
    )
    try {
        switch ($Action) {
            "Copy" { Copy-Item -Path $Source -Destination $Destination -Force }
            "Rename" { Rename-Item -Path $Source -NewName $Destination -Force }
        }
        Write-Log "$Action operation successful: $Source -> $Destination"
    } catch {
        Write-Log "Failed to $Action file: Please ensure the source file exists and you have the necessary permissions."
    }
}
Test-IsAdmin
Write-Log "Script execution started."
$hostsFile = "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts"
$backupCurrent = "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.bak"
$plainBackup = "C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.plain"
$tempFile = "$scriptDir\hosts_temp"
$primaryGenPPath = "C:\GenP.v3.6.4-CGP\GenP 3.6.4.exe"
if (-not (Test-Path $hostsFile)) {
    Write-Log "The hosts file does not exist at the specified path: $hostsFile"
    exit
}
if (-not (Test-Path $primaryGenPPath)) {
    Write-Log "The specified GenP executable does not exist at: $primaryGenPPath"
    exit
}
if ((Get-Item $hostsFile).Attributes -band [System.IO.FileAttributes]::ReadOnly) {
    Write-Log "The hosts file is currently read-only. Attempting to remove read-only attribute."
    try {
        Set-ItemProperty -Path $hostsFile -Name IsReadOnly -Value $false
        Write-Log "Removed read-only attribute from the hosts file."
    } catch {
        Write-Log "Could not change the read-only status of the hosts file. Please check permissions."
    }
}
$currentContent = Get-Content -Path $hostsFile -Raw -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
if (-not (Test-Path $backupCurrent) -or ($currentContent -ne (Get-Content -Path $backupCurrent -Raw -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue))) {
    Write-Log "Creating a new backup of the hosts file."
    SafeFileOperation -Action "Copy" -Source $hostsFile -Destination $backupCurrent
} else {
    Write-Log "Hosts file has not changed since the last backup. Skipping backup."
}
$hostsContent = Get-Content -Path $hostsFile -Raw -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
Write-Log "Hosts file content retrieved."
$maxRetries = 3
$retryDelay = 2
$newBlocklist = @()
Write-Log "Attempting to execute GenP.exe for blocklist."
try {
    Start-Process -FilePath $primaryGenPPath -ArgumentList "-updatehosts" -NoNewWindow -Wait
    Write-Log "GenP.exe executed successfully."
    $hostsContent = Get-Content -Path $hostsFile -Raw
    if ($hostsContent -match "^0\.0\.0\.0") {
        Write-Log "GenP.exe output detected and valid."
        $newBlocklist = $hostsContent -split "`n" | Where-Object { $_.Trim() -match '^0\.0\.0\.0' }
    } else {
        Write-Log "GenP.exe output missing or invalid."
        throw "Invalid GenP.exe output."
    }
} catch {
    Write-Log "Failed to run GenP to fetch the blocklist; please ensure the executable is present and try again."
}
if (-not $newBlocklist.Count) {
    Write-Log "Attempting to retrieve blocklist from fallback URLs."
    $encodedUrls = @(
        "aHR0cHM6Ly9yYXcuZ2l0aHVidXNlcmNvbnRlbnQuY29tL2lnbmFjaW9jYXN0cm8vYS1kb3ZlLWlzLWR1bUIvcmVmcy9oZWFkcy9tYWluL2xpc3QudHh0", 
        "aHR0cHM6Ly9yYXcuZ2l0aHVidXNlcmNvbnRlbnQuY29tL2lnbmFjaW9jYXN0cm8vYS1kb3ZlLWlzLWR1bUIvcmVmcy9oZWFkcy9tYWluL3dpbmhvc3RzLnR4dA=="
    )
    foreach ($encodedUrl in $encodedUrls) {
        $decodedUrl = [System.Text.Encoding]::UTF8.GetString([Convert]::FromBase64String($encodedUrl))
        Write-Log "Trying to access fallback URL."
        for ($attempt = 1; $attempt -le $maxRetries; $attempt++) {
            try {
                Write-Log "Retrieving blocklist content from fallback URL."
                $response = Invoke-WebRequest -Uri $decodedUrl -Method Get -ErrorAction Stop
                if ($response.Content) {
                    Write-Log "Successfully retrieved content from fallback URL on attempt $attempt."
                    $newBlocklist += $response.Content -split "`n" | Where-Object { $_ -match "^0\.0\.0\.0|^# Last update:" }
                    break
                }
            } catch {
                Write-Log "Failed to connect to the provided URL; please check internet connectivity or the URL itself."
                if ($attempt -lt $maxRetries) {
                    Write-Log "Retrying in $retryDelay seconds."
                    Start-Sleep -Seconds $retryDelay
                }
            }
        }
        if ($newBlocklist.Count -gt 0) { break }
    }
}
if ($newBlocklist.Count -eq 0) {
    Write-Log "No valid blocklist entries retrieved from all sources. Attempting to restore hosts file from hosts.plain."
    if (Test-Path $plainBackup) {
        Write-Log "Restoring hosts file from hosts.plain file."
        $plainContent = Get-Content -Path $plainBackup -Raw -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
        if (-not [string]::IsNullOrWhiteSpace($plainContent)) {
            Write-Log "Restoring hosts file."
            Set-Content -Path $hostsFile -Value $plainContent -NoNewline
            Write-Log "Successfully restored hosts file from hosts.plain."
        } else {
            Write-Log "hosts.plain is empty or invalid; unable to restore hosts file."
        }
    } else {
        Write-Log "hosts.plain file does not exist; cannot restore hosts file."
        Write-Log "Restoring hosts file from backup."
        SafeFileOperation -Action "Copy" -Source $backupCurrent -Destination $hostsFile
    }
    Write-Log "Exiting script."
    exit
}
Write-Log "Total valid blocklist entries pulled: $($newBlocklist.Count)"
$blocklistHeader = "# START - Adobe Blocklist"
$blocklistFooter = "# END - Adobe Blocklist"
$lastUpdateComment = ""
foreach ($line in $newBlocklist) {
    if ($line.Trim().StartsWith("# Last update:")) {
        $lastUpdateComment = "`n$($line.Trim())"
    }
}
$filteredBlocklist = $newBlocklist | Where-Object { -not ($_.Trim().StartsWith("# Last update:")) -and $_.Trim() -ne "" }
$finalContent = ""
if (Test-Path $plainBackup) {
    $plainContent = Get-Content -Path $plainBackup -Raw -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
    if (-not [string]::IsNullOrWhiteSpace($plainContent)) {
        Write-Log "Including content from hosts.plain at the top of the hosts file."
        $finalContent += $plainContent.Trim() + "`n"
    } else {
        Write-Log "The file hosts.plain is empty; it will not be included."
    }
}
$finalContent += "$blocklistHeader$lastUpdateComment`n$($filteredBlocklist -join "`n")`n$blocklistFooter".Trim()
$finalContent = $finalContent -replace "`r?`n`r?`n", "`n"
for ($attempt = 1; $attempt -le $maxRetries; $attempt++) {
    try {
        Start-Sleep -Seconds 1
        Write-Log "Attempting to write to $tempFile, Attempt #$attempt"
        if ((Get-Item $hostsFile).Attributes -band [System.IO.FileAttributes]::ReadOnly) {
            Write-Log "The hosts file is currently read-only. Attempting to remove read-only attribute."
            Set-ItemProperty -Path $hostsFile -Name IsReadOnly -Value $false
            Write-Log "Removed read-only attribute from hosts file."
        }
        Set-Content -Path $tempFile -Value $finalContent -NoNewline
        Write-Log "Temporary file created successfully."
        SafeFileOperation -Action "Copy" -Source $tempFile -Destination $hostsFile
        Write-Log "Hosts file successfully updated from temporary file."
        break
    } catch {
        Write-Log "An error occurred while updating the hosts file. Ensure you have sufficient permissions."
        if ($errorMsg -like "*denied*") {
            Write-Log "Access to $hostsFile is denied. Retrying in $retryDelay seconds..."
            Start-Sleep -Seconds $retryDelay
        } else {
            Write-Log "An unexpected error occurred: $errorMsg"
            break
        }
    }
}
Remove-Item -Path $tempFile -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
Write-Log "Script execution completed successfully."
'@
if (Test-Path $scriptPath) {
    Write-Output "Script file successfully created at $scriptPath."
} else {
    Write-Output "Script file creation failed. Please check permissions or paths."
}
$action = New-ScheduledTaskAction -Execute "powershell.exe" -Argument "-NoProfile -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File `"$scriptPath`""
$trigger = New-ScheduledTaskTrigger -Once -At (Get-Date) -RepetitionInterval (New-TimeSpan -Hours 3) -RepetitionDuration (New-TimeSpan -Days 3650)
$settings = New-ScheduledTaskSettingsSet -AllowStartIfOnBatteries -DontStopIfGoingOnBatteries -StartWhenAvailable -MultipleInstances IgnoreNew -ExecutionTimeLimit (New-TimeSpan -Minutes 2)
try {
    Register-ScheduledTask -TaskName "UpdateHostsFile" -Action $action -Trigger $trigger -Settings $settings -User "SYSTEM" -RunLevel Highest
    Write-Output "Scheduled task 'UpdateHostsFile' created successfully."
} catch {
    Write-Output "Failed to create scheduled task."
}
Start-Sleep -Seconds 5
try {
    Start-ScheduledTask -TaskName "UpdateHostsFile"
    Write-Output "Scheduled task 'UpdateHostsFile' started successfully."
} catch {
    Write-Output "Failed to start scheduled task."
}
Start-Process -FilePath "powershell.exe" -ArgumentList "-Command exit"
Stop-Process -Id $PID -Force
exit

Compatibility Considerations: The script is optimised for Windows 10 and Windows 11 to ensure broad compatibility. However, execution may be affected by various system-specific factors, including:

Differences in hardware specifications and regional settings.

Security software (such as antivirus programs) interfering with file modifications.

User permissions and Administrative privileges. The script requires elevated access to modify system files. Run PowerShell as Administrator to prevent execution errors.

Pre-existing modifications to system files, particularly hosts.

Performance Considerations: On older systems or those with strict security settings, execution may take longer or require manual intervention.

For troubleshooting, see the 'Error Handling' section later in the guide.

2. This command creates a scheduled task named UpdateHostsFile in Task Scheduler. It also generates two essential files, UpdateHostsFile.ps1 and UpdateHostsFile.log, which are stored in your etc folder alongside the hosts file.

Executable Validation: Before running, ensure GenP 3.6.4.exe is located in the specified directory. The script verifies its presence before execution and will halt if not found.

Additional Step: Before creating the new UpdateHostsFile task, any existing task with the same name will be removed to avoid conflicts. This ensures the updated task setup proceeds smoothly without duplication or errors.

Note: These files are crucial for the advanced functionality, as the script uses them to perform backups, verify updates, revert to backups in case of failure, log execution details, and attempt multiple retries if an update fails. Keeping these files organised in the same folder ensures easier management and troubleshooting.

3. After creating the above files, the task will automatically run immediately, back up the existing hosts file, and retrieve the latest blocklist entries. It will then verify the changes, attempt up to five retries if needed, and revert to the backup if the update fails. All execution details will be logged, and if custom entries exist in your hosts file, they will be merged from the hosts.plain file to ensure they are not overwritten.

Note: Before modifying the hosts file, the task automatically removes the read-only attribute if present, ensuring updates can proceed without permission errors.

Note: A backup will only be created if changes are made to the hosts file. If the latest list remains unchanged since the last task run, with no new lines added or removed, a new backup will not be created to avoid duplicating an identical file.

Note: If the update fails, the retry mechanism ensures multiple attempts to retrieve valid blocklist data before restoring the backup. This prevents an empty or broken hosts file from being applied.

Note: If all retry attempts fail, the script will revert to the last known good backup (hosts.bak). If this happens, manually run the UpdateHostsFile task in Task Scheduler to attempt another update.

Note: If the task fails entirely, first check that your internet connection allows access to the required URL for GenP.exe, as mentioned in Option 1 of the Hosts File / Firewall Rule Manual Setup. If connectivity is fine, manually run the UpdateHostsFile task in Task Scheduler. If, on a rare occasion, the hosts file fails to save properly, delete it, rename hosts.bak to hosts, and re-run the task. If it still fails, manually add the lines as described in Option 1.

4. The UpdateHostsFile task is now set up and in "Ready" status, waiting for the scheduled time to run.

Note: If you have Task Scheduler open while running the PowerShell script, you may need to close and reopen it to see the newly created task.

5. To test it immediately, open Task Scheduler, right-click on the UpdateHostsFile task, and select "Run."

Error Handling: If the PowerShell window remains open after running the command, it indicates an error.

Common issues include:

Not running PowerShell as an Administrator, which is required for this operation. The script checks if PowerShell is running with elevated privileges. If it detects standard user mode, execution will halt, prompting you to rerun it as Administrator.

Specifying an incorrect path to the .exe file. Before proceeding, the script verifies whether GenP 3.6.4.exe is present in the expected directory. If the file is missing or incorrectly located, execution will stop, and you will need to update the path.

SYSTEM account access limitations. The SYSTEM account may not have access to user-specific directories like the Desktop. If your GenP folder is saved on the Desktop (e.g., C:\Users\User\Desktop\GenP.v3.6.4-CGP\GenP 3.6.4.exe), this may prevent the scheduled task from running properly.

To resolve this, move the folder to a root directory such as C:\ or D:\, ensuring SYSTEM has unrestricted access. Then, update the file path accordingly to match the example already used in the script.

Read-only attribute issues. If the hosts file has read-only properties, the task will automatically remove the restriction to allow modifications.

Verify line breaks in PowerShell. Before pasting the script into PowerShell, copy it into Notepad to confirm that each command appears on a separate line. PowerShell only supports single-line scripts when commands are correctly separated using semicolons (;). Incorrect formatting may cause errors or prevent the script from executing properly.

To troubleshoot, confirm that you opened PowerShell with Administrative privileges, double-check the file path, ensure the GenP folder is stored in a system-wide accessible location, and verify that the script maintains proper formatting before re-running it.

First Use:

It will create a backup of your existing hosts file (hosts.bak), retrieve the latest blocklist entries, verify the changes, attempt up to five retries if needed, revert to the backup on failure, and log all execution details. If custom entries are present in hosts.plain, they will be merged with the updated blocklist to ensure they are not lost.

Ongoing Use:

The UpdateHostsFile task runs every three hours for ten years, starting immediately after creation, ensuring reliable, long-term updates to your hosts file without manual intervention. During each run, the script compares the current hosts file with the blocklist to detect changes. If custom entries are present, they are merged with the latest blocklist content, preserving your configurations while keeping the blocklist updated.

It will:

Create a backup of the existing hosts file only if changes are detected. The script compares the blocklist content found within the designated section of the hosts file to identify actual differences, avoiding unnecessary duplication. If hosts.plain is present, its contents will be merged with the updated blocklist to ensure custom entries remain intact.

Add the latest lines contained between two commented markers:

# START - Adobe Blocklist
(Latest lines contained within here) 
# END - Adobe Blocklist

If GenP.exe becomes inaccessible or the primary retrieval fails, the script will attempt to pull the latest blocklist data from a predefined backup source. It will then verify the changes, attempt up to five retries if needed, and revert to the last known good backup (hosts.bak) if all attempts fail.

Log all execution details in the UpdateHostsFile.log file, ensuring transparency and easy troubleshooting.

This process conserves storage space by avoiding duplicate backups, ensures validation before applying changes, and provides consistent logging of the task's activities.

Note: If your device is off during a scheduled execution, Task Scheduler will run the task as soon as possible after the system is powered back on. Depending on Windows settings, in uncommon cases, the scheduling cycle may reset based on the latest execution rather than following the original fixed times.

Run Task On Demand:

You can manually run the UpdateHostsFile task in Task Scheduler at any time to update the lines if they've changed during the day or night.

HOSTS FILE / FIREWALL RULE MANUAL SETUP

These can be used across GenP or Monkrus methods.

1️⃣ Option - PowerShell Cmd / Manual Hosts File Block;
2️⃣ Option - FIREWALL RULE on App-in-question.exe (disconnecting access to or from the internet);
3️⃣ Option - RESTORE (Reverse of options 1 and 2) (Fix CC not loading / loading continuously).

Do not use a virtual IP address from a VPN or Proxy, as it will circumvent local settings such as the hosts file or firewall rules.

If using a firewall, ensure it is enabled, or any rules set up through Windows Defender or third-party programs will not be applied.

❗ 𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣 𝗔𝗦𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗧 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡 ❗

⚠️ If your used antivirus is managing your Windows Firewall (it should say "firewall is being managed by third-party" or something similar), then all the changes below must be applied in said antivirus firewall (that is on you to figure out all of them have different menus and places; however, the paths to block are the same) - Also whichever is "the boss" it must remain ON.

If you are still getting pop-ups after following these steps, reread Guide 4 and try again. Otherwise, you’re out of options.

(...) 1️⃣ HOSTS FILE BLOCK LIST (updated regularly)

1. Use the following command in PowerShell (as Admin) if your apps are warning you of unlicensed or non-genuine usage:

Stop-Process -Name "Adobe Desktop Service" -force

⚠️ The hosts lines in the GenP "Pop-up" button option may not always be up-to-date (due to when a new line is found). Therefore, always check to see if the lines added match the ones written in step 3 below. If some lines are missing, either wait for the update or add them manually afterwards.

2. Open Notepad (as Admin), go to FILE > OPEN > C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc <- Copy and paste this directory to the file explorer bar, press enter and select the file "hosts".

⚠️ (If you do not see it, make sure you’re looking for All file types (*.*) and NOT Text files (*.txt))

3. Copy the whole text block from (https://a.dove.isdumb.one/list.txt) and paste it into a blank line on your hosts file. After that is done, save it.

Note, that when saving your hosts file from Notepad you need to change the Save as type to All file types (*.*) and NOT Text files (*.txt) or Notepad will always try to tack on a .txt extension.

If you get told that you don't have permission to save the hosts file back into your etc folder as you didn't follow the steps and open Notepad (as Admin), you will have to save it to your desktop instead.

There you should check it has been saved as file and NOT .txt by going to your Explorer window and View > Show > File Name Extensions. Check your hosts file name, if it says hosts.txt you need to remove the .txt and agree to the changes. You then cut and paste it back into your etc folder, saying yes to replace your existing hosts file.

Done.

Finding New IPs to Block Using Fiddler Classic:

You can learn how to find any new IPs to block using Fiddler Classic.

1. Download Fiddler Classic from its official site - Fiddler Download:

Choose "Personal Use" from the dropdown menu.

Enter a valid-looking email (e.g., adobe@fiddler.com). A temporary email is unnecessary.

Select any location for "Country/Territory."

Agree to the Fiddler End User License Agreement by checking the box.

Click "Download for Windows" to get the latest version.

2. Install and run Fiddler Classic to identify new IPs to block.

3. For additional guidance, watch the provided tutorial video - Fiddler Video

Reporting New IPs:

To report any new IPs not on the latest list, submit them here - Issues.

Do not post them on the GenP Subreddit as they will just get removed.

Check the same page periodically to see if others have contributed additional lines that haven't yet been added to the list.

Note: We do not offer help or support for Fiddler Classic, as it is unrelated to GenP. Such posts will be removed.

(...) 2️⃣ FIREWALL RULE on App-in-question.exe

If the Hosts lines (updated and correctly applied) aren’t enough to stop it, you can experiment with the following:

Go to Windows Firewall > Advanced Settings

⚠️ If you see this warning, All firewall rules must be made in your antivirus firewall settings, and not on Windows Defender Firewall (otherwise, they will have no effect) - But just in case, have in both.

Outbound Rules should be more than enough. Only do both if the first doesn’t work.

Create Outbound rule on each app with issues

Structure is the following:

File Type: Program

Program: You must select the actual "program" .exe inside the installed folder because the shortcut will not work.

When looking for the program path, we want the Actual Program \ ".exe" and not the shortcuts. How to distinct them - LEFT: SHORTCUT ".EXE" | RIGHT: ACTUAL ".EXE"

Typical path example would be: C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop 2025\Photoshop.exe (Find the proper path for the app you need)

Action: Block Connection

Profile: All

Name: Name it whatever you want to know what’s blocking.

⚠️ If the issue persists, you can create the same rules for "Inbound"

You will lose internet access going out from the application, at the same time, the license also wont be able to check if good or bad.

Remove Old Listings in root\SecurityCenter2 namespace in Windows Management Instrumentation:

For those receiving GenP detection of a third-party antivirus firewall while only using Windows Defender:

If you previously had a third-party antivirus firewall installed and later uninstalled it, the listing may still remain in the root\SecurityCenter2 namespace within Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI).

The root\SecurityCenter2 namespace in WMI is specifically used to access information about security-related features on a Windows machine, such as antivirus and firewall status.

When using GenP, it checks this namespace, and for some users, it may detect outdated or unused third-party antivirus firewall listings, resulting in an error message.

If you are only using Windows Defender and GenP still detects a third-party antivirus firewall, you will need to remove the old listing as follows:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run the command WMIC /Node:localhost /Namespace:\\root\SecurityCenter2 Path AntiVirusProduct get * /value.

This will return a list of your antivirus including any previously installed third-party ones too, from the returned list find the instanceGuid that relates to your old third-party antivirus.

It is a unique identifier for each instance and should look like this as an example: instanceGuid={D68DDC3A-831F-4fae-9E44-DA132C1ACF46}.

You will now need to delete this third-party antivirus firewall listing from the root\SecurityCenter2 namespace in WMI using Windows Management Instrumentation Tester.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run the command WBEMTEST which will open the Windows Management Instrumentation Tester window.

Click on the "Connect" button and in Namespace enter root/securitycenter2 and click on the "Connect" button.

Click on the "Enum Instances" button and in Enter superclass name enter AntivirusProduct and click on the "OK" button.

In the Query Result window, select the instanceGuid that relates to your old third-party antivirus firewall and click on the "Delete" button.

This should have now removed the selected antivirus firewall listing from the root\SecurityCenter2 namespace in WMI.

Click on the "Close" button and then click on the "Exit" button to close the Windows Management Instrumentation Tester window.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run the command WMIC /Node:localhost /Namespace:\\root\SecurityCenter2 Path AntiVirusProduct get * /value.

Check the returned list to see if your old third-party antivirus firewall has now been removed and is not being shown.

If you have multiple old listings that are now not needed, you can delete them all using the same method, all apart from the one you are using currently.

(...) 3️⃣ RESTORE (reverse of options 1 and 2)

It’s probably because of hosts file edits or firewall rules (including outdated ones) that either work against each other or block something that shouldn’t be blocked.

Reverse Hosts File Edit:

1. Open Notepad (as Admin), go to FILE > OPEN > C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc <- Copy and paste this directory to the file explorer bar, press enter and select the file "hosts".

⚠️ (If you do not see it, make sure you’re looking for All file types (*.*) and NOT Text files (*.txt))

2. Remove all lines related to Adobe stuff, save the file and reboot your system

Remove all the lines related to "ADOBE" from there, replace with the default hosts lines from ☢️ Guide #4 - NOTHING IS WORKING / FULL CLEANING, save the file and reboot your system.

Note, that when saving your hosts file from Notepad you need to change the Save as type to All file types (*.*) and NOT Text files (*.txt) or Notepad will always try to tack on a .txt extension.

If you get told that you don't have permission to save the hosts file back into your etc folder as you didn't follow the steps and open Notepad (as Admin), you will have to save it to your desktop instead.

There you should check it has been saved as file and NOT .txt by going to your Explorer window and View > Show > File Name Extensions. Check your hosts file name, if it says hosts.txt you need to remove the .txt and agree to the changes. You then cut and paste it back into your etc folder, saying yes to replace your existing hosts file.

This should fix the looping and bring CC to its default behaviour. However, it will also be open to the internet, which may cause issues for the apps currently installed.

If it happens, do Option 2 and create an Outbound rule for the programs .exe malfunctioning.

Reverse Firewall Rule:

Windows > Windows Firewall > Advanced Settings

Check both Inbound and Outbound

Disable or remove any rules applied to ADOBE or other firewall rules you created or asked for in the guides.

If neither of these has fixed the issue,

Please uninstall everything to the max using ☢️ Guide #4 - NOTHING IS WORKING / FULL CLEANING and restart the respective guide you were doing from the beginning. This should ensure a clean slate.

If it’s still not working, let us know - but please be specific on:

What method do you have? (GenP or Monkrus);

Which of these fixes didn’t work;

What problem still happens;

➜ Restore AppsPanel (vanilla)

Only if you want to restore from the previously made backup and move into official paid functionality, use the following command:

cp "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe Desktop Common\AppsPanel\AppsPanelBL.dll.bak" "C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Adobe\Adobe Desktop Common\AppsPanel\AppsPanelBL.dll"

If no errors are printed to the console, restart your machine. Upon startup, Creative Cloud will be returned to normal functionality.

#🛟 ❮ Return to GenP

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