Fixing Windows Server 2012 Hosts File Not Working for Dev

As a developer (aka Dev), you may sometimes encounter issues with your Windows Server 2012 hosts file not working as expected. This can be frustrating, especially if you need to access certain websites or resources for your work. In this article, we will explore some common causes for this problem and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it. Let’s dive in!

Understanding the Hosts File in Windows Server 2012

Before we delve into the troubleshooting steps, it’s important to understand what the hosts file does and why it’s important. The hosts file is a local file that maps domain names to IP addresses on your computer or server. This allows you to access websites or resources by their domain name instead of their IP address, which can be easier to remember and more convenient. In Windows Server 2012, the hosts file is located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts.

Why Isn’t My Hosts File Working?

There are several reasons why your hosts file may not be working in Windows Server 2012. Some of the most common causes include:

• Incorrect formatting of the hosts file
• Incorrect file permissions
• Conflict with antivirus or firewall software
• Incorrect DNS settings

Let’s explore each of these causes in more detail and provide solutions for each.

Incorrect Formatting of the Hosts File

The hosts file must be formatted correctly in order for it to work properly. Each line in the file should contain one domain name and its associated IP address, separated by a space or tab. For example:

If your hosts file is not formatted correctly, it may not work as expected. To fix this issue, edit your hosts file using a text editor such as Notepad and ensure that each line is formatted correctly with the domain name and IP address in the correct order.

Incorrect File Permissions

The hosts file requires certain file permissions in order to be accessed and used. If the file permissions are incorrect, you may encounter issues with your hosts file not working. To check and correct the file permissions, follow these steps:

1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
2. Right-click on the hosts file and select Properties
3. Click on the Security tab
4. Click on the Edit button
5. Select the Users group and ensure that the Read & execute and Read checkboxes are selected
6. Click on the OK button to save the changes

Once you have corrected the file permissions, try accessing your hosts file again to see if it is working as expected.

Conflict with Antivirus or Firewall Software

Antivirus or firewall software can sometimes interfere with the function of the hosts file, preventing it from working correctly. To test if this is the case, you can temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall software and try accessing your hosts file again.

If the hosts file works after disabling the antivirus or firewall software, you may need to whitelist the hosts file or adjust your antivirus or firewall settings to allow it to function properly.

Incorrect DNS Settings

If your DNS settings are incorrect, your hosts file may not work as expected. To troubleshoot this issue, follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt by clicking on Start and typing cmd
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
3. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter
4. Type ipconfig /registerdns and press Enter
5. Type ipconfig /release and press Enter
6. Type ipconfig /renew and press Enter

These commands will flush your DNS cache and reset your DNS settings. Once you have done this, try accessing your hosts file again to see if it is working as expected.

FAQs

Q1. How do I open the hosts file in Windows Server 2012?

A1. To open the hosts file in Windows Server 2012, navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc and open the hosts file using a text editor such as Notepad.

Q2. Can I add comments to the hosts file?

A2. Yes, you can add comments to the hosts file by starting the line with a hash symbol (#). Comments are ignored by the operating system and can be used to document your hosts file.

Q3. Can I use wildcards in the hosts file?

A3. No, you cannot use wildcards in the hosts file. Each domain name must be specified individually with its associated IP address.

Q4. How do I know if my hosts file is working?

A4. You can test if your hosts file is working by entering a domain name in your web browser that you have added to your hosts file. If the website loads using the IP address specified in the hosts file, then your hosts file is working.

Q5. Can I have multiple IP addresses for the same domain name in the hosts file?

A5. No, you can only specify one IP address for each domain name in the hosts file. If you need to specify multiple IP addresses for the same domain name, you can create multiple entries with the same domain name and different IP addresses.