[cleardarksky]

I have 6 files in the following folder C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\,
(HOSTS, HOSTS.MVP, Imhosts.sam, networks, protocol, and service), i'd like to know if it's safe to delete the HOSTS.MVP file or any others. I do understand the HOSTS file is important. I update the hosts file from mvps.org once a month. thanks

[hewee]

I would leave them. I got them also but I use hostsman so it uses 4 hosts files that it puts into one so it adds the HOSTS.MVP into the hosts file so I do not have the HOSTS.MVP file in the C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc. But I do have all the others you listed and HOSTS.BAK but that's a backup file.
Not sure but I think the backup file is made each time to update the hosts file so your always have it get made again so why delete it.