Windows 7 - Can't modify host file in windows 7

asadrasel · 01-19-2012

Hi,
I am using windows 7 professional. I can't change the host file even with the administrator user or any other user that has been given the administrator privileges which i could do easily in win xp. Any suggestions can help me a lot.

Thanks in advance.

Asad

Anak · 01-19-2012

Hi asadrasel, welcome to 7F!

Any error messages or warnings?

Have you been following the steps taken in this tutorial?
Hosts File : Use in Windows 7 / Vista, especially the first step Open Notepad, Run as Administrator?

asadrasel · 01-21-2012

Thanks Anak. It works!!

agent47er · 01-21-2012

what you need is this
Add "Take Ownership" to Explorer Right-Click Menu in Win 7 or Vista - How-To Geek
install this and right click on the host fie and selest "Take Ownership"
this should solve your problem

Anak · 01-21-2012

Quote: Originally Posted by asadrasel

Thanks Anak. It works!!

Your Welcome asadrasel!

Quote: Originally Posted by agent47er

what you need is this
Add "Take Ownership" to Explorer Right-Click Menu in Win 7 or Vista - How-To Geek
install this and right click on the host fie and selest "Take Ownership"
this should solve your problem

A user needs to be aware that this modification will remove the Run as Administrator, and replace it with Take Ownership listing in the context menu, and it is possible it can lead to a security risk.

If you go to this page: Windows 7 - Tutorial Index
The third tutorial:
Take Ownership - Allow or Prevent Users and Groups To Take Ownership should mitigate the security risk.

There are also two other tutorials there:
Take Ownership of a File, Folder, Drive, or Registry Key, and
Take Ownership Shortcut.

Caution is advised when Taking Ownership.

Corrine · 01-22-2012

It is best to follow the instructions linked to by Anak for modifying the HOSTS file. As Anak stated, the other method can lead to a security risk.

BTW, if you use WinPatrol, it is even easier to edit the HOSTS file, regardless of your operating system. Just follow the following steps:

Right-click on Scotty in the system tray to launch WinPatrol, selecting "Options". Windows Vista and Windows 7 Users: Accept any UAC Prompts
Click "View HOSTS file", which will launch the HOSTS file in Notepad

After making any desired changes, merely close Notepad.

Windows 7 - Can't modify host file in windows 7

Can't modify host file in windows 7 problems?