All You Need To Know About Windows Server 2019 Hosts File

Hello Dev, if you are searching for an article about the Windows Server 2019 Hosts file, then this is the perfect place for you. Here in this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Windows Server 2019 Hosts file.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Windows Server 2019 Hosts File

Windows Server 2019 is a powerful operating system that is used by businesses and enterprises all over the world. One of the important features of this operating system is the Hosts file. The Hosts file is used to map domain names to IP addresses. This file is used by the DNS service to resolve domain names.

What is a Hosts file?

The Hosts file is a simple text file that contains a list of domain names and their corresponding IP addresses. When your computer needs to connect to a domain name, it first checks the Hosts file to see if there is a match. If there is a match, it uses the IP address listed in the Hosts file to connect to the domain name.

Where is the Hosts file located on Windows Server 2019?

The Hosts file is located in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc directory. By default, this file is hidden, so you will need to unhide it if you want to edit it.

Can I edit the Hosts file on Windows Server 2019?

Yes, you can edit the Hosts file on Windows Server 2019. However, you will need to have administrator privileges to do so.

How to edit the Hosts file on Windows Server 2019?

To edit the Hosts file on Windows Server 2019, follow these steps:

Step	Description
Step 1	Open Notepad as an administrator
Step 2	Click on File > Open
Step 3	Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
Step 4	Select the Hosts file and click on Open
Step 5	Add or edit the entries in the file
Step 6	Click on File > Save

Chapter 2: Why Use the Hosts File on Windows Server 2019?

There are several reasons why you might want to use the Hosts file on Windows Server 2019. Here are some of the most common reasons:

Testing a Website

If you are a web developer, you might want to test a website on a specific server before launching it to the public. By using the Hosts file, you can map the domain name to the IP address of the testing server, which allows you to test the website without affecting the public website.

Blocking Websites

You can use the Hosts file to block access to specific websites. By mapping the domain name to the IP address 127.0.0.1, you can effectively block the website on your computer or server.

Local Network Resolving

If you have a network of computers and servers, you might want to use the Hosts file to resolve domain names locally. This can help to reduce network traffic and improve performance.

Chapter 3: Tips for Using the Hosts File on Windows Server 2019

Here are some tips for using the Hosts file on Windows Server 2019:

Backup the Hosts file

Before making any changes to the Hosts file, it is important to create a backup. This will allow you to restore the original file if something goes wrong.

Use Shortcuts

Instead of typing out the IP address and domain name every time you want to add an entry to the Hosts file, you can use shortcuts. For example, you can use “localhost” instead of “127.0.0.1”.

Use Comments

You can add comments to the Hosts file by starting a line with the “#” symbol. This can help you to remember what each entry is for.

Test Your Changes

After making changes to the Hosts file, it is important to test them to ensure that they are working as expected.

Chapter 4: FAQ

Q1: What is the format of the Hosts file?

The Hosts file is a simple text file that contains a list of domain names and their corresponding IP addresses. Each entry should be on a separate line, and the IP address should be followed by the domain name.

Q2: Can I use the Hosts file to block ads?

Yes, you can use the Hosts file to block ads. There are several lists available online that you can use to block ads.

Q3: Can I use the Hosts file to redirect a domain name to a different URL?

No, the Hosts file can only be used to map domain names to IP addresses. If you want to redirect a domain name to a different URL, you will need to use a web server or a DNS service.

Q4: Can I use the Hosts file on Windows Server 2019 to resolve domain names for other computers on the network?

Yes, you can use the Hosts file on Windows Server 2019 to resolve domain names for other computers on the network. However, you will need to ensure that the other computers are configured to use the Hosts file for name resolution.

Q5: What is the default content of the Hosts file on Windows Server 2019?

The default Hosts file on Windows Server 2019 contains only one entry, which maps the domain name “localhost” to the IP address 127.0.0.1.

Q6: Can I use the Hosts file to override the DNS settings on Windows Server 2019?

Yes, you can use the Hosts file to override the DNS settings on Windows Server 2019. However, you should only do this if you know what you are doing, as it can cause problems with name resolution.

Q7: How can I check if the Hosts file is working on Windows Server 2019?

To check if the Hosts file is working on Windows Server 2019, you can try to ping a domain name that you have added to the file. If the ping is successful, then the Hosts file is working.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Hosts file is a powerful tool that can be used to map domain names to IP addresses on Windows Server 2019. By using the Hosts file, you can test websites, block websites, and resolve domain names locally. However, it is important to use the Hosts file carefully, and to always make backups before making any changes.