The hosts file is a simple text file that is used to map hostnames to IP addresses. It is an important file in the network configuration of any computer and can be edited using the command prompt, also known as CMD. In this article, we will discuss the steps to edit the hosts file using CMD.
Step 1: Open CMD
To begin with, we need to open the command prompt on our computer. This can be done by typing "CMD" in the search bar or by pressing the Windows key + R and typing "CMD" in the Run window.
Step 2: Run CMD as Administrator
Once the command prompt is open, we need to run it as an administrator. This is necessary as the hosts file is a system file and requires administrative privileges to be edited. To do this, right-click on the CMD icon and select "Run as administrator".
Step 3: Navigate to the Hosts File Location
The hosts file is located in the Windows system folder. To navigate to this location, type "cd C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc" in the command prompt and press Enter. This will take us to the location where the hosts file is stored.
Step 4: Open the Hosts File
Now that we are in the correct location, we can open the hosts file using any text editor. We recommend using Notepad as it is a simple and lightweight text editor that comes pre-installed with Windows. To open the file, type "notepad hosts" in the command prompt and press Enter.
Step 5: Make the Necessary Changes
The hosts file contains a list of IP addresses and their corresponding hostnames. To edit this file, simply add or delete any entries as required. Make sure to save the changes before closing the file.
Step 6: Test the Changes
After making the necessary changes, it is important to test if they have been successfully implemented. To do this, open a web browser and type in the hostname that you edited in the hosts file. If the correct IP address is displayed, then the changes have been successfully applied.
Step 7: Close CMD
Once you have finished editing the hosts file, you can close the command prompt by typing "exit" and pressing Enter.
In conclusion, editing the hosts file using CMD is a simple and straightforward process. It allows you to map hostnames to IP addresses, which can be useful for various purposes such as blocking unwanted websites or creating local test domains. Just remember to always run CMD as an administrator and make sure to save the changes before closing the file. Happy editing!
