Host File Location Server 2012: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Welcome Dev! As a web developer, you must be familiar with the concept of the host file location in Server 2012. In this article, we will dive deep into the topic and provide you with all the necessary information you need to know about host file location in Server 2012.

What is Host File Location in Server 2012?

The host file location in Server 2012 is a file that contains IP addresses and domain names. It is used by the operating system to map domain names to IP addresses. This file is located on the local machine and is used by the DNS resolver to resolve domain names to IP addresses.

By default, the host file is located in the C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc directory. This file is often used by developers and network administrators to test and troubleshoot network issues.

How to Access Host File Location in Server 2012

To access the host file location in Server 2012, you need to follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Windows Explorer and navigate to the C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc directory.
2. Look for a file named “hosts”.
3. Right-click the file and select “Open With”.
4. Choose Notepad or any text editor of your choice.

You can now view and edit the host file using the text editor.

How to Edit Host File in Server 2012

Editing the host file in Server 2012 is a straightforward process. You just need to follow these simple steps:

1. Open the host file using a text editor as described above.
2. Add the IP address and domain name mapping at the end of the file, with each entry on a new line.
3. Save the file and close the text editor.

For example, if you want to map the domain “example.com” to the IP address “192.168.1.10”, you would add the following line to the host file:

IP Address	Domain Name
192.168.1.10	example.com

You can add as many entries as you want to the host file, but keep in mind that every entry should be on a new line.

How to Test Host File in Server 2012

After making changes to the host file, you need to test whether the changes have been applied successfully or not. Here’s how you can test the host file in Server 2012:

1. Open the Command Prompt by pressing Win+R and typing cmd and pressing Enter.
2. Type “ping [domain name]” and press Enter.
3. If the ping is successful, the IP address in the response should match the IP address you added to the host file.

If the ping is not successful, it means that the changes you made to the host file were not applied successfully.

FAQ

1. What is the Host File in Server 2012?

The host file in Server 2012 is a file that contains domain name and IP address mappings. It is used by the operating system to map domain names to IP addresses.

2. Where is the Host File Located in Server 2012?

The host file is located in the C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc directory by default.

3. How to Edit the Host File in Server 2012?

To edit the host file in Server 2012, you need to navigate to the host file location and open it in a text editor. Add the required domain name and IP address mapping, save the file, and close the text editor.

4. How to Test the Host File in Server 2012?

To test the host file in Server 2012, you need to open the Command Prompt and type “ping [domain name]”. If the ping is successful, the IP address in the response should match the IP address you added to the host file.

5. Why is the Host File Used in Server 2012?

The host file is often used by developers and network administrators to test and troubleshoot network issues. It can be used to map domain names to IP addresses for testing purposes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the host file location in Server 2012 is an essential aspect of network testing and troubleshooting. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily access, edit, and test the host file in Server 2012.