Outsmarting Cold Turkey: A Guide to Bypassing Website Blockers

We’ve all been there – you excitedly download a website blocker app like Cold Turkey, determined to limit distractions and stay focused. But a few days later, when you desperately need to access a blocked website, you realize you’re locked out. Getting around the blocks seems impossible!

As a long-time user of website blocking tools, I’ve discovered various techniques to temporarily bypass blocks when absolutely necessary In this guide, we’ll explore smart workarounds that don’t involve fully uninstalling the blocker.

However, use these judiciously – circumventing blocks too often defeats the purpose of installing blockers in the first place!

Understanding Cold Turkey’s Blocking Methods

To outsmart Cold Turkey, we need to first understand how it restricts access Here are some of the main blocking techniques it uses

• It adds entries to the Windows hosts file, redirecting blocked URLs to localhost.

• Browser extensions block restricted sites and prevent disabling the blocker.

• Block schedules are stored in a local database file.

• Background processes restart if killed manually.

So we need solutions that work despite these roadblocks. Let’s look at some options, from simple to more advanced.

Quick Fixes

When you need a quick unblock, try these straightforward tricks first:

• Restart your device – This disables blocks for the restart period. Use this time to access restricted sites before blocks kick back in.

• Boot in Safe Mode – Cold Turkey doesn’t load in Safe Mode. Access blocked content, then reboot normally.

• Disable browser extensions – Browsers like Chrome allow temporarily disabling extensions to bypass blocks.

• Use a different browser – Install a browser like Firefox just for unblocking. Cold Turkey can’t restrict unmonitored browsers.

• Reset browser profiles – Create a new Chrome profile without Cold Turkey’s extension for unfettered access.

These quick fixes get the job done. But for longer-term access, we need more lasting solutions.

Bypassing Hosts File Blocks

The hosts file maps hostnames to IP addresses. By redirecting blocked sites to localhost, Cold Turkey prevents access.

To bypass this:

• Open the hosts file at C:WindowsSystem32driversetchosts in an admin text editor.

• Comment out Cold Turkey’s redirect lines by adding a # at the start.

• Save the file and refresh your browser. The site restrictions should be gone.

• Afterwards, remove the # to re-enable the block.

The downside is that Cold Turkey will overwrite your changes if you restart it. So combine this method with other solutions for best results.

Disabling Browser Extensions

Cold Turkey’s browser extensions do the heavy lifting when it comes to site blocking. Disabling them lifts restrictions, though Cold Turkey tries its best to prevent this.

Here are some hacks to get around its extension blocking:

• Use Firefox or Edge profiles with no Cold Turkey extension.

• For Chrome, install an extension manager to forcibly disable CT’s extension.

• On Chrome mobile, enable Developer Mode and use Debug Mode to disable the extension.

• Block Cold Turkey’s processes with a firewall app so it can’t restart blocked extensions.

• Run Chrome with the --disable-extensions switch to launch with all extensions disabled.

Browser extension hacks offer more permanence than quick fixes, especially when combined with other methods.

Modifying the Local Database

Cold Turkey stores your block schedules and settings in an SQLite database file called blockerData.sqlite. Modifying this database lets you lift restrictions.

To do this:

• Browse to the Cold Turkey install directory and make a copy of blockerData.sqlite.

• Download SQLite Browser. Open the database copy with it.

• Browse to the blocks table. Delete or modify block records to suit your needs.

• Close and save your changes. Replace the original database with your edited copy.

• Cold Turkey will now use the tweaked database with your changes.

The database approach is powerful but requires some tech skills. Combined with the other methods here, it can keep Cold Turkey at bay for as long as you need.

Using External Tools

Cold Turkey works hard to protect its processes and prevent uninstalling. But external tools can break through its defenses:

• Use Process Hacker to terminate Cold Turkey’s processes and prevent automatic restarts.

• Monitor registry changes with Regshot and undo Cold Turkey’s registry blocks.

• Uninstall Cold Turkey with Revo Uninstaller. This can uninstall even protected apps.

• Repair Windows hosts file permissions to give you back editing access.

These advanced tools require some technical expertise but can permanently deactivate Cold Turkey.

When All Else Fails…Reinstall Windows!

If all the above options fail, the nuclear option is reinstalling your operating system. This completely removes all traces of Cold Turkey so you can start afresh.

But this should only be a last resort! Back up your data and prepare for some downtime before taking this drastic step.

Exercising Responsible Use

While this guide focuses on bypassing blocks, remember that website blockers are designed to help limit distractions and improve productivity. Circumventing restrictions too frequently renders them ineffective.

Use these tips judiciously for temporary access in emergencies. Don’t let bypassing blocks become a habit that hurts your goals. And when you’ve accessed what you needed, re-enable your blocks.

With great power comes great responsibility! Wield your unblocking skills wisely.

And there you have it – a comprehensive guide to outmaneuvering Cold Turkey and gaining temporary access to blocked websites. From quick fixes to advanced techniques, these tips will help you bypass blocks when you really need to get work done.

The next time you desperately need to access a restricted website, don’t panic! Just pull out your bag of website blocker bypassing tricks. Stay focused, stay productive, and most importantly – stay in control.

So try out these methods, bookmark this guide, and take back your browsing freedom! Just use your newfound powers judiciously. Happy (responsible) surfing!