How to Control Blocker Web Using a Remote Text File

How to Control Blocker Web Using a Remote Text File

Blocker Web Pro feature: Remote Lockdown requires an active Blocker Web Pro licence.

Remote Lockdown allows Blocker Web Pro to check an online text file and use its command to turn website blocking on or off.

This gives you a simple way to control the saved website block list from another location.

What You Need

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To use Remote Lockdown, you will need:

  • Blocker Web Pro
  • A plain text file hosted online
  • A direct URL to the text file
  • Access to edit or replace the file
  • An internet connection on the computer running Blocker Web

The URL should display the contents of the text file directly.

Create the Command File

Open Notepad or another plain text editor.

Enter one of the following commands on the first line:

LOCK

or:

UNLOCK

Save the file with a .txt extension.

For example:

blocker-web-command.txt

What the Commands Do

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LOCK

When Blocker Web reads:

LOCK

the normal website-blocking switch is turned ON.

Every website saved in your Blocked Websites list will then be blocked.

UNLOCK

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When Blocker Web reads:

UNLOCK

the normal website-blocking switch is turned OFF.

The websites remain saved but are temporarily accessible.

The commands are not case-sensitive, although uppercase makes them easier to recognise.

Upload the File

Upload the text file to a website or online storage location that provides a direct link.

For example:

https://example.com/blocker-web-command.txt

Open the address in a browser to test it.

The browser should display only:

LOCK

or:

UNLOCK

Configure Remote Lockdown

See also: How to Restore Web Access After Using Internet Lock Article

To enable the feature:

  1. Open Blocker Web Pro.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Find the Remote Lockdown section.
  4. Enter the direct URL of the command file.
  5. Choose how often Blocker Web should check it.
  6. Enable Remote Lockdown.
  7. Leave Blocker Web running.

Blocker Web will check the file at the selected interval.

Choose a Checking Interval

The checking interval controls how often Blocker Web looks for a new command.

A shorter interval applies changes more quickly.

A longer interval reduces how frequently the file is checked.

For example, when a five-minute interval is selected, a new command may take up to five minutes to be applied.

Test Remote Lockdown

Start with the command file containing:

LOCK

Wait for the selected checking interval.

The website-blocking status should change to ON.

Next, change the file to:

UNLOCK

Save or upload the updated file and wait for the next check.

The website-blocking status should change to OFF.

Keep Blocker Web Running

Remote Lockdown only checks the command file while Blocker Web is running.

You can minimise the application to the Windows system tray.

It does not need to remain open on the screen.

Remote Lockdown and Internet Lock

Remote Lockdown controls the normal website block list.

It does not turn Internet Lock on or off.

A LOCK command activates the websites saved in your Blocked Websites list.

An UNLOCK command temporarily disables those saved website blocks.

Keep the Command File Secure

Anyone who can edit the command file can change the website-blocking status.

Use an HTTPS address and protect the account or hosting area used to manage the file.

Avoid sharing the command URL publicly.

Disable Remote Lockdown

To stop using the feature:

  1. Open Blocker Web.
  2. Open Settings.
  3. Turn off Remote Lockdown.

Blocker Web will stop checking the online file.

The current website-blocking status will remain unchanged until you change it using the main switch or another valid command.

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