How to edit the Hosts file in 7

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  1. Posts : 7
    Windows 7
       #1

    How to edit the Hosts file in 7


    Hi people :)

    I need help here, I have some older applications that wont work unless i change their 'update ip', (dont know what its called), in the hosts file.

    I have found numerous ideas on how to edit in the hosts file, but none of them has worked so far.

    When I run Notepad as administrator, and from there > Open > Browse to 'C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts' it only open a sample of the 'hosts' file. It wont let me open the real file for some reason. I am logged in as admin and additionally I run Notepad as admin too - Which should let me do what ever I want, - Right?



    I have already read and tried these 'solutions' but none of them worked:

    Edit hosts file in Windows 7 & Windows Vista | Windows Reference

    How to: Edit Hosts File in Windows 7 | COMPUTELOGY - Tech, Tips n Reviews on Windows Linux Mac


    Is there a work-around to this?

    NB: I am using an OEM (dell) version of Win7
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 11,840
    64-bit Windows 8.1 Pro
       #2

    You need to Take Ownership of the host file... See Brinks tutorial --==> Here

    Also see this .... Hosts File : Use in Windows 7 / Vista
    Last edited by Tews; 13 Sep 2010 at 09:21.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 4,364
    Windows 11 21H2 Current build
       #3

    If you open the hosts file in the default location, and there is nothing in there....

    then the instructions are lying to you and you need to find out where the IP is really being stored.

    One thing - how long ago did the IP change? If recently, entering the command
    Code:
    ipconfig /flushdns
    may help resolve this issue.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 5,642
    Windows 10 Pro (x64)
       #4

    What I do, drag a copy of the host file to my desktop, edit that, then drag the copy back to the rightful location. Done deal.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 4,364
    Windows 11 21H2 Current build
       #5

    @Tews - I just edited my hosts file without taking ownership - only ran Notepad as admin just as the OP stated.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 51,382
    Windows 11 Workstation x64
       #6

    johngalt said:
    @Tews - I just edited my hosts file without taking ownership - only ran Notepad as admin just as the OP stated.

    You must of changed something, by default you need to take ownership.
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 7
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #7

    Tews>
    Just tried out the 'Take Ownership', but as you see in the link below, it didnt work:

    peecee.dk | Vis upload sniped1.PNG

    johngalt>
    I got this Dell laptop only days ago and reinstalled this OEM of Win7 yesterday. The applications I want to use are really old, but I have some old files that I need to open with them. - I dont think I know exactly what you mean by 'how long ago did the IP change?' or what the command might do for me, - I still need to change the app 'update IP' to another, otherwise everytime I open the application it wont let me continue. :S I used to be able to do this in XP and Vista, but in 7 it seems the hosts file is totally locked somehow?

    logicearth>
    I've already tried that, but you see - the hosts file that I copy still only shows as a sample no matter where I take it. Editing the sample wont do me anything I'm afraid :)
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 7
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Tews>
    Here's a bigger picture for you :)

    peecee.dk | Vis upload sniped1.PNG
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 7
    Windows 7
    Thread Starter
       #9

    Just did a search for more entries of a/the hosts file in 7, and this came up -

    peecee.dk | Vis upload sniped2.PNG

    Do you think that any of the 2 other instances are the 'right' hosts file?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 6,305
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #10

    C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\ETC\Hosts should be the default & correct location for the host file

    I've just copied the file to Documents and opened it directly from there, no admin privliges needed. You should be able to edit it, save it, then copy it back to it original home. You will need to confirm a UAC notification....
      My Computer


 
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