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

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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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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66 additional answers

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-09-11T23:24:42+00:00

    I just wanted to quickly say Thank You very much for your extremely simple work-around!!  Even though it is 3 years after your original answer to so many people having this exact problem, I am so thankful that I found your contribution!!  Thanks again for your knowledge and help!

    MerzyMoon

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-08-20T12:35:36+00:00

    its not working..! i tried a lot

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-07-06T17:33:21+00:00

    Thanks, now I have another problem. I noticed yeaterday that my desltop allows the add a new folder to wherever. On my laptop, however, the only available folder is a compressed zippered folder. I don't want this and would like to find the option to make the laptop like the desktop with the same operating system, 7, one Home, the other 7 Pro. Got any ideas?

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