How To Edit Host File – Window | MacOS | Linux

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How To Edit Host File – Window | MacOS | Linux

What is a Host File?

A host file is a local plain text file that maps server or host names to IP addresses. This file has been in use since the days of ARPANET. It was the original method of converting host names to specific IP addresses. A host file is usually the first process in the domain name resolution procedure. Here is an example of a hosts file entry.

 

127.0.0.1 localhosts #loopback

Where is a Host File Located On your computer?

The location of a host file will differ by operating system. The typical locations are noted below.

  • Windows 10 – “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts”
  • Linux – “/etc/hosts”
  • Mac OS X – “/private/etc/hosts”

Editing a Host File

Editing your host file causes your local machine to look directly at the Internet Protocol (IP) address that you specify.

Editing the host file involves adding two entries to it. Each entry contains the IP address to which you want the site to resolve and a version of the Internet address.

Let’s Edit Host File On Windows

Windows 10 and Windows 8

Use the following instructions if you’re running Windows 10 or Windows 8:

  1. – Press the Windows key.
  2. – Type Notepad in the search field.
  3. – In the search results, right-click Notepad and select Run as administrator.
  4. – From Notepad, open the following file:c:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\hosts
  5. – Make the necessary changes to the file.
  6. – Select File > Save to save your changes.

Windows 7 and Windows Vista

Use the following instructions if you’re running Windows 7 or Windows Vista:

  1. – Select Start > All Programs > Accessories.
  2. – Right-click Notepad and select Run as administrator.The Windows needs your permission UAC window appears.
  3. – Click Continue to grant permission.Notepad opens.
  4. – In Notepad, select File > Open.
  5. – In the File name field, enter the following path:C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\hosts
  6. – Select Open.
  7. – Make the necessary changes to the file.
  8. – Select File > Save to save your changes.

Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows XP

Use the following instructions if you’re running Windows NT, Windows 2000, or Windows XP:

  1. – Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > Notepad.
  2. – Select File > Open.
  3. – In the File name field, enter C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc\hosts.
  4. – Select Open.
  5. – Make the necessary changes to the file.
  6. – Select File > Save to save your changes.

Let’s Edit Host File On MacOS X versions 10.0 through 10.12

This section provides instructions for modifying your hosts file if you are running MacOS X 10.0 through 10.12.

MacOS X 10.0 through 10.1.5

Use the following instructions if you’re running MacOS X 10.0 through 10.1.5:

  1. – Open /Applications/Utilities/NetInfo Manager.
  2. – To enable editing of the Network Information database (NetInfo), click the padlock icon in the lower-left corner of the window.
  3. – Enter your domain user password and select OK.
  4. – In the second column of the browser view, select the node named machines.
  5. – In the third column, select the entry named localhost.
  6. – From the Edit menu, select Duplicate.A confirmation alert appears.
  7. – Click Duplicate.A new entry named localhost copy appears and its properties are displayed below the browser view.
  8. – Double-click the value of the ip_address property and enter the IP address of the other computer.
  9. – Double-click the value of the name property and enter the host name that you want use for the other computer.
  10. – Click the serves property and select Delete from the Edit menu.
  11. – From the File menu, select Save.A confirmation alert appears.
  12. – Click Update this copy.
  13. – Repeat steps 6 through 12 for each additional host entry that you want to add.
  14. – From the NetInfo Manager menu, select Quit.You do not need to restart the computer.

MacOS X 10.6 through 10.12

Use the following instructions if you’re running MacOS X 10.6 through 10.12:

  1. – On your computer, select Applications > Utilities > Terminal to open a Terminal window.
  2. – Enter the following command in the Terminal window to open the host file: 
    sudo nano /private/etc/hosts
  3. – When you are prompted, enter your domain user password.
  4. – Edit the host file.The file contains comments (lines that begin with the # symbol) and some default host name mappings (for example, 127.0.0.1 – local host). Add your new mappings after the default mappings.
  5. – To save the hosts file, press Control+X.
  6. – When you are asked if you want to save your changes, enter y.
  7. – To force your changes to take effect, flush the DNS cache by entering the following command: 
     dscacheutil -flushcache

Let’s Edit Host File On Linux

Use the following instructions if you’re running Linux:

  1. – Open a Terminal window.
  2. – Enter the following command to open the hosts file in a text editor: 
    sudo nano /etc/hosts
  3. – Enter your domain user password.
  4. – Make the necessary changes to the file.
  5. – Press Control-X.
  6. – When you are asked if you want to save your changes, enter y.

 

CREDIT

https://docs.rackspace.com/support/how-to/modify-your-hosts-file/

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