Windows7 will not let me edit the hosts file and save it

Anonymous
2010-04-16T18:31:57+00:00

Windows7 will not let me edit the hosts file and save it. What must I do in order to save the edited host file?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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Anonymous
2010-04-16T18:47:57+00:00

It's a built-in safety feature.  There is an easy workaround.  ClickStart ->All Programs -> Accessories.  Right-clickNotepad, and then click Run as administrator.  If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or clickAllow or Yes.

Open the Hosts file (from the notepad you just opened) , make your changes, and then click File ->Save. 

Barbara

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Anonymous
2010-04-16T20:43:01+00:00

You need to either take ownership of the file (Right click the hosts file, Security tab, and give yourself full rights), or open Notepad as Administrator and open, edit and save your hosts file from there. It's designed that way so some rogue malware can't come in and change that.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-03-02T17:10:22+00:00

    What works for me is to keep a copy in a working directory and edit that version and then copy it into the correct Windows directory. The OS doesn't let us edit and save in location but doesn't seem to mind if we copy over it from an other location. Odd that.

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-03-02T15:41:36+00:00

    This did allow me to save the file with out an extension, it saved the file as a .txt file.  

    The original was saved as a file, with no extension.  any ideas?

    Thanks,

    Jerry

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