ConFetchConFetch

ConFetch Downloads

Looking for ConFetch PRO, LSE or Ultra? The "PRO" version is for advanced users. "LSE" is the LAN Server Editon of "PRO" that runs unattended, without any user interaction required or recommended. "Ultra" is the newest version of ConFetch designed for 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows, including Vista, and is similar to LSE in concept with some exceptions. Please review the ConFetch PRO, LSE and Ultra page before you install either of those or visit the Change Log and Notifications page for program history.

Get update notifications: You can safely and easily receive private emails when your favorite HOSTS files or other lists are updated by following these instructions below.

ConFetch is the basic plug-in that blocks only known Ad Servers from delivering their content to your desktop. ConFetch versions 1 through 4 are incrementally larger blockers. Versions increase system demands (and therefore, requirements), increasing blocking levels as the numbers in the programs' names increases (ConFetch 2 blocks more than ConFetch 1 does, with ConFetch X being the largest blocker). They are listed on this page in that order.

ConFetch X is the original plug-in used for blocking the highest number of servers without moving up to Pro, LSE or Ultra. Please review the descriptions for the versions offered below before deciding if you'd like to install one. (Or, go to ConFetch X now.)

 All ConFetch Plug-ins: 

  1. Require TreeWalk DNS "Hawk" version 8.21 (or newer)
  2. Provide a built-in Updater to keep your installation current
  3. Include Report statistics available from the Start Menu's Program Folder
  4. Implement the same series of local filters for trimming sub-domains to their SLDs
  5. Provide an option to quit the program within minutes after the new filter file is compiled
  6. Use a custom, built-in list to blacklist Peer-to-Peer networks and sites that are known to distribute malware
  7. Backup your TreeWalk configuration folder separately from TreeWalk's own backup functions. Your saved TreeWalk configuration will be restored upon uninstalling ConFetch.
  8. Include the Blacklist [DENY] tool for adding sites that you want ConFetch to block the next time you run ConFetch. If you absolutely need to unblock a site you wish to visit, try the CF UNBLOCK Tool for that. The Whitelist [ALLOW] tool is meant for removing sites that might be blocked by ConFetch's imported source lists, the next time you run ConFetch. These tools are all available from the program's icon group: select Start, select (All) Programs, select ConFetch (version), select ConFetch Tools to find those (and other) tools.

Starting ConFetch

Any ConFetch version should be started from the icons provided in the Start menu, or a desktop shortcut you've made from that menu. All versions should be allowed to run without any interaction as they were designed to do, until completion.

Windows 2000, XP, 2003, .NET *

 ConFetch (Basic)

The Basic ConFetch Plug-in:
  • Version numbers will always start with zero, followed by year, month and day of release. (Example: 0.6.9.6)
Sources accredited to:
  • Peter Lowe's regularly updated Ad Server Blocker list (Null Zone File format)
  • Mike's Ad Blocking HOSTS file (no longer online) is currently hosted on a mirror site and will be replaced when a reliable list is found (HOSTS format) - mikehosts.cmd
  • Emerging Threats' regularly updated RBN Exploit Domains (Text format) - bleedblock.cmd - replaces Bleeding Edge Threats' RBN Blackhole list.
Statistics sample:
  • 6074 lines of data to prepare for conversion.
  • 5698 unique hostnames we want to blacklist.
  • 4683 entries to block 5698 unique names.

 ConFetch 1

The ConFetch 1 Plug-in filters:
  • all hostnames blocked by ConFetch Basic (above)
Additionally utilizes: Other functions:
Statistics sample:
  • 6305 lines of data to prepare for conversion.
  • 5929 unique hostnames we want to blacklist.
  • 4903 entries to block 5929 unique names.

 ConFetch 2

The ConFetch 2 Plug-in filters:
  • names blocked by all versions listed previously
Also uses:
Statistics sample:
  • 12827 lines of data to prepare for conversion.
  • 11662 unique hostnames we want to blacklist.
  • 6193 entries to block 11662 unique names.

 ConFetch 3

The ConFetch 3 Plug-in filters:
  • names blocked by all versions listed previously
This version adds:
Statistics sample:
  • 24068 lines of data to prepare for conversion.
  • 22765 unique hostnames we want to blacklist.
  • 16663 entries to block 22765 unique names.

 ConFetch 4

The ConFetch 4 Plug-in filters:
  • names blocked by all versions listed previously
This one includes:
Statistics sample:
  • 31671 lines of data to prepare for conversion.
  • 27289 unique hostnames we want to blacklist.
  • 18222 entries to block 27289 unique names.

 ConFetch X

The eXtreme ConFetch Plug-in:
  • Version numbers will always start with the number of files that this version attempts to fetch from the Internet, followed by year, month and day of release. (Example: 11.6.9.6)
  • The eXtreme version includes all lists used with every version listed above, and...
hpHosts' HOSTS file:
Statistics sample:
  • 68227 lines of data to prepare for conversion.
  • 46832 unique hostnames we want to blacklist.
  • 29664 entries to block 46832 unique names.

    ((Statistics for each version mentioned above may vary across different environments.))

ConFetch X is the most demanding and system-intense blocking plug-in offered on this page. You should only use this version with a fast computer that provides ample memory. You will need to use your own judgment to decide if the additional demand and the increased boot or shutdown times outweigh it's value to you. ConFetch eXtreme's original use was aimed for installation on a TreeWalk LAN server where all networked machines get their DNS from, but it can be suitable for faster, modern computers as well. If you decide you need even more filtering, then please review the ConFetch PRO, LSE and Ultra page instead!

 ChangeDetection Notification:  Get notified by email when a ConFetch source file is updated, or when a new ConFetch program file or component becomes available! You can be safely and privately notified by ChangeDetection.com when your favorite HOSTS files or other lists are updated. You can also use the service to receive emails for changes to the ConFetch "Change Log" page, where updates and upgrades will always be listed. All versions of ConFetch list their sources and the authors' sites. You should only need to right-click and copy any link to obtain the URL you'll need to enter into the ChangeDetection form(s). Make sure to do this for every file you want to be notified about and to use the link for the actual files, not the authors' sites! ((You only need to subscribe for changes to the "Change Log" page for any new CF announcements.))

 TreeWalk Mirrors:  Can't get to the TreeWalk site right now and need a copy? Download TreeWalk DNS 8.21 - Hawk. Please use the TreeWalk site for all downloads if the site is available. Check the TreeWalk Download Mirrors page for other authorized locations. "Surf safely!" - the TWDNS Crew

 Forum Support:  Can be obtained from the TreeWalk DNS Forums provided for ConFetch Plug-ins. The ConFetch FAQ and Announcements groups are also available (these latter two are read-only, but you can post messages to "confetch.plugins"). ConFetch is a plug-in for TreeWalk DNS "Hawk" version 8.21 or newer that is properly installed on your computer and is known to be operational before installing ConFetch. If you're not sure if TreeWalk is running properly or if your system is blocking TreeWalk for any reason, consult the TreeWalk site's FAQ page before proceeding with ConFetch!

 Would you like to help out? 

Well, you could run the "ConFetch Information Tool" you'll find in the ConFetch Tools folder in the Programs menu and attach your results to an email! Your email info will never be used for anything other than for ConFetch development: support@confetch.com. Do not adjust the subject line or delivery may fail! ((If you don't want your email info stored on the server, just mention in the message body that you'd like it deleted after the attachment has been saved.))

Many thanks go out to the dedicated and numerous people who endure the tireless work of providing the lists and files that ConFetch uses. We try to acknowledge them further with the version descriptions above. Take a well-deserved bow, Folks, and keep up the good work! Review the "Credits page" page for full details. "Surf safely!" - the TWDNS Crew

* Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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