Windows Server 2016 Host File Location – The Ultimate Guide

Greetings Dev, if you are reading this article, then you might be looking for information about the host file location in your Windows Server 2016 machine. You are in the right place! In this article, we will cover all the aspects related to the host file location, including how to find, modify and troubleshoot it.

What is the Host File in Windows Server 2016?

The host file, also known as the hosts.txt file, is a plain text file that maps hostnames to IP addresses, allowing you to access websites and network resources using human-readable names, instead of numerical IP addresses. This file is located in a specific location in the Windows Server 2016 operating system, which we will cover in the next section.

Location of the Host File in Windows Server 2016

The host file is located in the same directory as other system files in the operating system. Here are the steps to locate the host file in Windows Server 2016:

Step	Action
Step 1	Log in to your Windows Server 2016 machine.
Step 2	Open Windows Explorer.
Step 3	Navigate to the following location:
Step 4	C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
Step 5	Locate the file named “hosts”.

Once you have located the host file, you can proceed to modify it according to your needs.

How to Modify the Host File in Windows Server 2016?

Modifying the host file in Windows Server 2016 is a simple process, but it requires administrative privileges. Here are the steps to modify the host file:

Step 1: Open the Host File in Notepad

To open the host file in Notepad, follow these steps:

Step	Action
Step 1	Log in to your Windows Server 2016 machine as an administrator.
Step 2	Open Notepad as an administrator.
Step 3	Click File > Open.
Step 4	Navigate to the following location:
Step 5	C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
Step 6	Select “All Files” from the “Files of type” drop-down menu.
Step 7	Select the file named “hosts”.
Step 8	Click “Open”.

The host file will be opened in Notepad, and you can proceed to modify it as needed.

Step 2: Modify the Host File

The host file is a simple text file that consists of IP addresses and hostnames, separated by whitespace. Each entry should be on a new line, and you can add comments by starting the line with the pound sign (#). Here is an example of a modified host file:

# Modified host file192.168.0.1 mywebserver.com192.168.0.2 mydatabase.com

In this example, we have added two entries to the host file. The first entry maps the IP address 192.168.0.1 to the hostname “mywebserver.com”. The second entry maps the IP address 192.168.0.2 to the hostname “mydatabase.com”.

Step 3: Save the Host File

Once you have modified the host file, you need to save it in order to apply the changes. Here are the steps to save the host file:

Step	Action
Step 1	Click File > Save.
Step 2	Close Notepad.

That’s it! Your modified host file has been saved, and you can now access the websites and network resources using the hostnames you have added to the file.

FAQ about Windows Server 2016 Host File Location

Q1. Can I delete the host file in Windows Server 2016?

No, you should not delete the host file in Windows Server 2016. The host file is a critical system file that is required for the proper functioning of the operating system.

Q2. How do I reset the host file in Windows Server 2016?

If you have modified the host file in Windows Server 2016 and want to reset it to its default state, you can simply delete all the entries in the file and save it. Alternatively, you can create a new, empty host file and save it in the same location.

Q3. What is the purpose of the host file in Windows Server 2016?

The host file in Windows Server 2016 is used to map hostnames to IP addresses, allowing you to access websites and network resources using human-readable names, instead of numerical IP addresses.

Q4. How do I troubleshoot issues related to the host file in Windows Server 2016?

If you are experiencing issues related to the host file in Windows Server 2016, it could be due to incorrect entries in the file. To troubleshoot the issue, you can try the following steps:

• Check the host file for syntax errors.
• Check that the entries in the host file are correct.
• Check that the IP addresses in the host file are reachable.
• Check that your DNS settings are correct.
• Try flushing the DNS cache.

If none of these steps work, you may need to seek further assistance from a qualified IT professional.

Conclusion

That’s it, Dev! You now know everything you need to know about the host file location in Windows Server 2016. We hope this article has been helpful to you, and if you have any further questions or comments, feel free to leave them below.