Understanding the Windows Server 2008 Hosts File Location

Hello Dev! In today’s digital age, having a better understanding of the operating system you are using can give you an edge in your IT career. One of the essential files you need to know about in the Windows Server 2008 operating system is the Hosts file. This file plays a crucial role in translating human-readable domain names into machine-readable IP addresses.

What is the Hosts File?

The Hosts file is a plain text file found on almost every operating system that translates human-readable domain names into IP addresses. It is a local DNS resolver that can be used to resolve domain names rather than relying on DNS servers. The Hosts file is typically used to resolve network names when DSN is not available, or you need to test a website or server before it goes live. It is essential to note that the Hosts file takes precedence over DNS resolution, making it a powerful tool in network administration.

Where is the Windows Server 2008 Hosts File Located?

The default location for the Hosts file on a Windows Server 2008 machine is:

Operating System	Hosts File Location
Windows Server 2008	C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

You can open the Hosts file in any text editor, such as Notepad. However, the file must be saved as a plain text file with no file extension. Also, ensure that the file is not saved in rich text format or Unicode encoding.

How to Edit the Hosts File on Windows Server 2008?

Here are the steps to follow to edit the Hosts file on a Windows Server 2008 machine:

Step 1: Open Notepad as Administrator

To edit the Hosts file on a Windows Server 2008 machine, you need to open Notepad as an administrator. To do this, go to:

1. Click the Windows Start Button.
2. Type ‘Notepad’ in the search box.
3. Right-click on Notepad and select ‘Run as administrator.’

Step 2: Open the Hosts File

After opening Notepad, you can open the Hosts file by going to:

1. Click File > Open.
2. Navigate to the Hosts file location.
3. Select ‘All Files’ for the file type.
4. Select the Hosts file and click ‘Open.’

Step 3: Edit the Hosts File

Once you have opened the Hosts file, you can add or modify entries as necessary. A host entry should follow this format:

<IP Address>                                                                      <Domain Name>

For example:

192.168.1.1                                                                example.com

Save the file once you have made the necessary changes.

FAQs

What is the Purpose of the Hosts File?

The Hosts file is used to resolve domain names into IP addresses when DNS is not available. It is a local DNS resolver that takes precedence over DNS resolution, making it a powerful tool in network administration.

Can I Delete the Hosts File on Windows Server 2008?

The Hosts file is a critical system file, and it is not recommended to delete it. You can modify the file as necessary to add or remove entries, but deleting it may cause problems with network resolution.

How Do I Test Changes Made to the Hosts File?

You can test changes made to the Hosts file by opening a Command Prompt window and running the ‘ipconfig /flushdns’ command. This command clears your DNS cache and forces your computer to look up the new DNS entries. You can then test the new entries by attempting to access the domain name in a web browser.

How Do I Block Websites Using the Hosts File?

You can block access to a website using the Hosts file by mapping the domain name to the local IP address (127.0.0.1). For example, to block access to example.com, you would add the following line to your Hosts file:

127.0.0.1                                                  example.com

This entry maps the domain name to the local IP address, effectively blocking access to the website.

Conclusion

The Hosts file is an essential system file that plays a crucial role in resolving domain names into IP addresses. It is a local DNS resolver that takes precedence over DNS resolution, making it a powerful tool in network administration. With the steps outlined in this article, you now have a better understanding of how to locate, edit and test changes made to the Hosts file on a Windows Server 2008 machine.