The Windows host file is a text file used on Windows platforms for DNS purposes; the file is used to translate host-names to IP addresses. The host file is in your system root's system32/drivers/etc folder. You can edit the file using notepad. Many virus writers also create viruses that can get into your system and edit the file to prevent a user from downloading security programs from the Internet to remove their viruses.
Step 1
Go to "Start" and type "%SystemRoot%\system32\drivers\etc" and hit "Enter." This will open the "etc" folder with a group of listed files.
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Step 2
Double-click on the "Host" file. This action should prompt you to pick an application with which to open the file.
Step 3
Choose to open the file with "Notepad" and click "OK." This will open the content of the file in Notepad.
Step 4
Look for the "127.0.0.1 localhost." Position your cursor at the end of this line and press "Enter."
Step 5
Enter your new line. An example would be: "123.45.67.89 mywebsite.com."
Step 6
Once you have added your line. Go to "File" and "Save" the file.
Step 7
Close Notepad.
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