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
    2014-12-29T06:33:44+00:00

    Hi Jerry,

    After you have finished editing save the file as "hosts" and choose allfiles in dropdown menu below it.

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-12-30T13:24:31+00:00

    Once you follow the steps, go to the file and right click on the file and rename it.

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-02-26T09:39:40+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

    Hi Barbara,

    Thank you so much for your solution. Now we are able to edit host file by doing above steps. Thanks a lot!!!

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