Windows Server 2012 Hosts File: Everything Dev Needs to Know

Hello Dev, welcome to our comprehensive guide on Windows Server 2012 Hosts File. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced system administrator, this article will provide you with all the information you need to manage your server’s hosts file effectively. So let’s dive right in!

What is a Hosts File?

Before we delve into the specifics of Windows Server 2012 hosts file, let’s first understand what a hosts file is. In simple terms, a hosts file is a plain text file that maps hostnames to IP addresses. It is used by operating systems to map domain names to IP addresses when resolving domain names. Without a hosts file, your computer would have to rely solely on a DNS server to translate domain names into IP addresses.

In a Windows environment, the hosts file is located in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc directory. It is a local file, meaning it is only used by the computer on which it resides, and not shared with other computers on the network.

Why Modify the Hosts File?

Now that we know what a hosts file is, let’s explore why you might want to modify it. There are a few common reasons:

Testing Websites

If you are a web developer, you may need to test your website on a local server before deploying it to a live server. By modifying your hosts file, you can redirect your computer’s requests for a domain name to your own local server, allowing you to test your website before it goes live.

Blocking Websites

You can also use the hosts file to block access to specific websites. By redirecting requests for a particular domain name to your computer’s local IP address (usually 127.0.0.1), you can effectively block access to that website.

Redirecting Domains

Another common use of the hosts file is to redirect requests for one domain to another. For example, you might want to redirect requests for www.example.com to www.anotherexample.com.

Modifying the Hosts File

Now that we understand why you might want to modify the hosts file, let’s explore how to do it. The process is fairly simple:

Step 1: Open Notepad as Administrator

To modify the hosts file, you need to open it in a text editor with administrative privileges. The easiest way to do this is to open Notepad as an administrator. Right-click on the Notepad icon and select “Run as administrator.”

Step 2: Open the Hosts File

In Notepad, click on “File” and select “Open.” Navigate to the C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc directory and select the “hosts” file. Make sure to select “All Files” in the file type dropdown menu, as the hosts file has no file extension.

Step 3: Make Your Changes

Once you have the hosts file open in Notepad, you can make any necessary changes. Each entry should be on its own line, with the IP address followed by the domain name. For example:

IP Address	Domain Name
127.0.0.1	www.example.com

You can also add comments to the hosts file by starting a line with the “#” symbol. Comments are ignored by the computer.

Step 4: Save the Hosts File

Once you have made your changes, save the hosts file and close Notepad. Keep in mind that changes to the hosts file may not take effect immediately. You may need to flush the DNS cache or restart your computer for the changes to be applied.

FAQs

Can I Edit the Hosts File on Multiple Computers?

Yes, you can edit the hosts file on multiple computers. However, you will need to copy the modified hosts file to each computer individually, as the hosts file is local to each machine.

Can I Use Wildcards in the Hosts File?

No, the hosts file does not support wildcards. You will need to add each domain name individually.

Can I Block Entire IP Ranges in the Hosts File?

No, the hosts file only maps domain names to specific IP addresses. It does not support blocking entire IP ranges.

Can I Use the Hosts File to Block Ads?

Yes, you can use the hosts file to block ads. However, keep in mind that the hosts file is not a comprehensive ad-blocking solution, and some ads may still get through.

Conclusion

That’s it, Dev! Now you know everything there is to know about Windows Server 2012 hosts file. Whether you need to test websites, block access to certain domains, or redirect domains, the hosts file is a powerful tool in your system administration toolkit. So go forth and use it wisely!