Windows Server 2016 Hosts File Not Working: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Hey there Dev, are you experiencing issues with your Windows Server 2016 hosts file? You’re not alone. This is a common problem that many system administrators and developers encounter. Fortunately, there are solutions available to fix this issue.

What is the Hosts File?

The hosts file is a simple text file that maps domain names to IP addresses. It is used to resolve domain names without having to rely on DNS (Domain Name System) servers. The hosts file can be found in the following location:

Operating System	File Path
Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP	C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
Linux/Unix/Mac OS X	/etc/hosts

It is important to note that the hosts file takes precedence over DNS. This means that if a domain name is listed in the hosts file, the computer will use the IP address specified in the file to access the website, even if a different IP address is listed in DNS.

Common Issues with Windows Server 2016 Hosts File

The Hosts File is Not Being Read

If you’ve made changes to the hosts file but are not seeing those changes take effect, it’s likely that the hosts file is not being read. This can happen if there are other DNS servers or caching mechanisms in place that are prioritized over the hosts file. To fix this issue, you can try the following:

Flush the DNS Cache

The DNS cache stores information about DNS entries to speed up future DNS queries. However, if the cache becomes corrupted, it can cause issues with the hosts file. To flush the DNS cache, follow these steps:

1. Open a command prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the command ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
3. Wait for the command to complete and then try accessing the domain again.

Disable DNS Client Service

The DNS Client service can also cause issues with the hosts file. To disable this service, follow these steps:

1. Open the Services console by typing services.msc in the Start menu.
2. Find the DNS Client service and double-click it.
3. Change the Startup type to Disabled and click OK.
4. Restart your computer and try accessing the domain again.

The Hosts File is Being Ignored

If you’re sure that the hosts file is being read but your changes are still not taking effect, it’s possible that the hosts file is being ignored. This can happen if there are security policies in place that prevent modifications to the hosts file. To resolve this issue, you can try the following:

Edit the Security Policy

You can modify the security policy to allow modifications to the hosts file. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Local Security Policy console by typing secpol.msc in the Start menu.
2. Expand Local Policies and click on Security Options.
3. Find the policy named “System settings: Use Certificate Rules on Windows Executables for Software Restriction Policies” and double-click it.
4. Select the Disabled option and click OK.
5. Restart your computer and try accessing the domain again.

Disable UAC (User Account Control)

If disabling the security policy does not work, you can also try disabling UAC. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel and click on User Accounts.
2. Click on User Accounts again and then click on Change User Account Control settings.
3. Move the slider to the bottom to disable UAC and click OK.
4. Restart your computer and try accessing the domain again.

FAQ

Q: How do I know if my hosts file is being read?

A: You can test this by adding an entry to the hosts file for a domain that you know is not accessible. If you are able to access the domain after adding the entry, then the hosts file is being read.

Q: Can I use the hosts file to block websites?

A: Yes, you can add entries to the hosts file for websites that you want to block. Simply map the domain name to an IP address that does not exist, such as 127.0.0.1.

Q: Can I use the hosts file to redirect domains to a different IP address?

A: Yes, you can add entries to the hosts file to redirect domains to a different IP address. Simply map the domain name to the IP address that you want to use.

Q: Can I use wildcards in the hosts file?

A: No, the hosts file does not support wildcards. You will need to add separate entries for each domain or subdomain that you want to map.

Q: Can I have multiple IP addresses for a single domain in the hosts file?

A: No, the hosts file only supports mapping a domain name to a single IP address.

Q: Do changes to the hosts file require a restart?

A: No, changes to the hosts file should take effect immediately. However, you may need to flush the DNS cache or restart your web browser for the changes to take effect.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped you resolve your issues with the Windows Server 2016 hosts file. Remember that the hosts file is a powerful tool that can be used to resolve domain names without relying on DNS. However, it can also cause issues if not configured correctly. If you’re still having issues after trying the solutions listed in this guide, feel free to reach out to us for further assistance.