How to block ALL access to Runescape

[Neo Razgriz]

I've been asked by my local library to block any and all access to the website Runescape. They've asked me to block it any way possible so that no website, browser, downloadable program or anything can access it.

Why? They've been getting a few complaints and they're worried about their net-capable computers being flooded with runescape fanatics. So they turned to me for help, and I accepted. I've done as much as I can (restricted site via ie7, added address to HOST file), but the fanatics are still finding a way around it.

So that's why I came here. I was wondering if any of you knew how to block access to Runescape on a large scale. My "employers", aka the local library, are in need of a solution to what they call this "Runescape problem".

So, any ideas?

[Code.Red]

Do you have any more access than just the computers themselves? Their network, or anything?

Also, do you know how exactly people are getting around your blocks?

[Neo Razgriz]

I don't know how they were doing it, but I know it was possible for them. One PC that I blocked by restricting the site through IE7 and editing the HOST file - it's on that PC that I knew they were getting through (I visually saw them).

[LightIdea]

Just block and mark the runescape site in the HOSTS file and mark the HOSTS file as ReadOnly and System.

[exmachina08]

Could it be possible that they are using a proxy of some sort to get around

[argonite]

You can usually block MOST access attempts with your router. Go to the router config page (google how to get there from your brand name). My router has it under 'Access Restrictions' and 'Block by Keyword' ,you could also block by URL but that's what the host file's supposed to do.

[Neo Razgriz]

  EchoNoise said:

Just block and mark the runescape site in the HOSTS file and mark the HOSTS file as ReadOnly and System.

How do I mark it as "System"? Most of the net-capable PCs are using Windows XP, but some appear to be using 2000, or 98 (vomits at thought of the 21st century still using 98/2000).

Proxy access IS possible I suppose. These are primary to very-early highschool kids though, but I have learned not to underestimate someone's abilities. Can proxy access to Runescape be stopped too?

Blocking it via the library's router is also possible, but it'd require some sucking up to them. lol

[hymneforthedead]

I'd block the proxy servers too if you can, straight from the router would be the best solution.(IMO) you could also ban the url's Ip address. you've already edited the hosts files next best thing I could think of is contacting the Runescape Game server and ask them to ban your IP.

[qdave]

come in to the library on on of these days, and if you see someone playing ask them how you can play too :p they'll show you a way to out maneuver your moves and you can move from there.

[Neo Razgriz]

  hymneforthedead said:

I'd block the proxy servers too if you can, straight from the router would be the best solution.(IMO) you could also ban the url's Ip address. you've already edited the hosts files next best thing I could think of is contacting the Runescape Game server and ask them to ban your IP.

That would be most welcome by me, the library staff, and many other net-users who hate those fanatical brats and their game. Would Jagex even do this though?

[whocares78]

block it at the firewall/router., if there is no option get a cheap linix box and stick it in the middle adn block it there, easy doneabsolutely no way around it unless they hack your firewall/router

  billyea said:

You can usually block MOST access attempts with your router. Go to the router config page (google how to get there from your brand name). My router has it under 'Access Restrictions' and 'Block by Keyword' ,you could also block by URL but that's what the host file's supposed to do.

I think my biggest concern is you really don't know what your doing (some appear to be running 2000, if you don't know then please stop helping them adn point them to someone that does know) and have implied to the library that you do, IF i was you i would recomnbed they hire someone that knows what they are doing, even though i am sure you are doign this for free (if you arent then you really should, seeing you don't really know what you are doing), they woudl be much better of having someone do this properly than someone hacking away to make it work.

[Barney T. Administrators]

Moved here

[Bi0haZarD]

How i would block it..

1. Router/Firewall/Linux box... to block anything with "runescape" in it.

2. Block these from the Router/Firewall/Linux box... (all registered to runescape.com)

NS9.RUNESCAPE.COM 64.90.181.244

NS7.RUNESCAPE.COM 216.180.254.134

NS1.RUNESCAPE.COM 69.22.158.227

NS8.RUNESCAPE.COM 64.37.71.203

NS2.RUNESCAPE.COM 69.31.109.4

NS5.RUNESCAPE.COM 65.39.250.68

NS3.RUNESCAPE.COM 209.249.24.6

NS6.RUNESCAPE.COM 82.133.85.216

that would block a good portion of people.. though people would be able to get in using a proxy.

theres no 100% block against sites, even if you blocked every proxy in existence they could still host a proxy on their home computer..

Edited August 22, 2007 by Bi0haZarD

[wetcat]

Since runescape runs on Java, you can go on the Java Control Panel and delete the Jagex certificate. To block further access, disable "allow users to grant permissions to signed content".

The downside of this would be that the users won't be able to access any unsigned java program...

btw, I've only tried this on winxp, where the java control panel is a separate program. I think java is integrated into Windows on win2k and earlier, so I don't know about that.

[Diaboli]

runescape requires access to a folder ont he C drive

or admin access

I had this issue when setting up my bro's PC

just deny write access to C and ur all good

or w/e

[whocares78]

  wetcat said:

Since runescape runs on Java, you can go on the Java Control Panel and delete the Jagex certificate. To block further access, disable "allow users to grant permissions to signed content".

The downside of this would be that the users won't be able to access any unsigned java program...

btw, I've only tried this on winxp, where the java control panel is a separate program. I think java is integrated into Windows on win2k and earlier, so I don't know about that.

LMAO. so do you want anythign to work after doing this ??? a whole bunch of stuff needs to write to C

[Diaboli]

  whocares78 said:

LMAO. so do you want anythign to work after doing this ??? a whole bunch of stuff needs to write to C

well denying admin access killed my bro's runescape on xp pro

cause he cudnt modify the C folder itself

[whocares78]

  Diaboli said:

runescape requires access to a folder ont he C drive

or admin access

I had this issue when setting up my bro's PC

just deny write access to C and ur all good

or w/e

LMAO. so do you want anythign to work after doing this ??? a whole bunch of stuff needs to write to C, i feel sorry for the poeple at this library.

you say they need admin access to run runescape, i have no idea, but why would public computers in a library have admin accesss, the fact the users have admin is scary in itself and if that is the case you aint never gonna block anything, unless you do it at the firewall, as any intelligent user will just go change it back,

if the users need admin to run runescape, its easy don't give public access admin rights, they shouldn't have it anyway.

  Diaboli said:

well denying admin access killed my bro's runescape on xp pro

cause he cudnt modify the C folder itself

what else did it kill, writing to his own profile, making any registry changes even to HKCU, doing any sort of updates, saving a favourite in his browser. umm the list is long

[Neo Razgriz]

So...

- add runescape to the HOSTS file and make said file unchangable

- get Jagex to block runescape from the pub PC's IP addies

- block proxy access (?) via the router

- add it to restricted sites in IE (something like this possible fore FF?)

...and this should render Runescape inaccessible and unplayable, right?

[hymneforthedead]

  Neo Razgriz said:

So...

- add runescape to the HOSTS file and make said file unchangable

- get Jagex to block runescape from the pub PC's IP addies

- block proxy access (?) via the router

- add it to restricted sites in IE (something like this possible fore FF?)

...and this should render Runescape inaccessible and unplayable, right?

well, I suppose it'd slow them down, it should confuse most of em...but as it was said eariler,

there isn't any sure way to stop a kid.(I was messing up my schools computers when I was like 7 so..yeah)

if all else fails, why don't you just suggest the servers get the kids to sign in using a monitored account or an approved site list?

that way you'd know who was doing what, and if they continue to play you could just ban the account.

...Honestly, I'd just tell the kids that the library isn't for gaming, and to please exit the site. its much easier.

if they refuse, well hey. they don't need to be on the computer in the first place, (Novell offers a nice suite)

library's are not meant for that kinda stuff, if they wanted to do that, tell them to go to a friends house or something.

*rofl.* ;)

-best of luck

[PermaSt0ne]

if they are playing runescape on the library pc's, that means the kids installed the program on the pc right?

simply uninstall runescape from the pc's and disable the ability to install programs for the users. that way, no matter what proxy they download the program from they still can't play since it won't install

[ViableLobster83]

Try using Windows SteadyState (assuming these are XP machines). I use it at my work and have been very pleased.

[Neo Razgriz]

Most of them are XP machines. Some might be 2000, or worse, 98.

Runescape is an online-played game, so there is really nothing to install, and therefore nothing to remove.

[Neo Razgriz]

Bad news!!!

The HOSTS file is changing after every reboot, wiping what I do to block that ****! What can I do to stop this???

[compass4]

  Neo Razgriz said:

Bad news!!!

The HOSTS file is changing after every reboot, wiping what I do to block that ****! What can I do to stop this???

How exactly are the host files changing? Is there a "internet security software" that is monitoring changes to the HOSTS file?? You should probably figure out what is going on with that.

Like someone said earlier, block it at the router.

.gtld-servers.net [192.41.162.30]

f.gtld-servers.net [192.35.51.30]

g.gtld-servers.net [192.42.93.30]

d.gtld-servers.net [192.31.80.30]

k.gtld-servers.net [192.52.178.30]

e.gtld-servers.net [192.12.94.30]

c.gtld-servers.net [192.26.92.30]

h.gtld-servers.net [192.54.112.30]

j.gtld-servers.net [192.48.79.30]

i.gtld-servers.net [192.43.172.30]

a.gtld-servers.net [192.5.6.30]

m.gtld-servers.net [192.55.83.30]

b.gtld-servers.net [192.33.14.30]

runescape.com. 168.75.179.75

runescape.com. 82.133.85.216

runescape.com. 64.90.181.244

runescape.com. 85.133.44.251

runescape.com. 66.151.43.152

runescape.com. 209.249.24.6

runescape.com. 69.22.158.227

runescape.com. 69.31.109.4

runescape.com. 65.39.250.68

runescape.com. 64.37.71.203

runescape.com. 80.64.4.171

runescape.com. 216.180.254.134

Use your router to block access to all of those IP's on any port. that should be all you need.