Understanding the Host File in Windows Server 2016

Hello Dev, If you are a system administrator or IT professional, then you must be familiar with the host file. It is an important file that is present in every operating system including Windows Server 2016. In this article, we will discuss everything about the host file in Windows Server 2016. We will start with the basics and then move on to more complex topics. So, let’s get started.

What is a Host File?

A host file is a simple text file that maps IP addresses to hostnames. It is present on every computer system and plays a crucial role in the networking process. Whenever your computer needs to connect to another computer over the internet, it uses the host file to resolve the hostname to an IP address.

In simple terms, the host file acts as a local DNS server that your computer uses to resolve domain names.

Location of Host File in Windows Server 2016

In Windows Server 2016, the host file is located in the directory “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc”.

Understanding the Host File Syntax

The host file format is simple and easy to understand. Each line in the file contains an IP address followed by one or more hostnames. The syntax for a host file entry is as follows:

IP_address hostname1 hostname2 hostname3

For example, the following line maps the IP address “192.168.1.1” to the hostname “www.example.com”:

192.168.1.1	www.example.com

You can add comments to the host file by adding a “#” symbol at the start of the line.

Uses of Host File in Windows Server 2016

1. Resolving Hostnames

The primary use of the host file is to resolve hostnames to IP addresses. Whenever you type a URL into your web browser, your computer checks the host file first to see if it has a mapping for that hostname. If it does, then the browser uses the IP address in the mappings to connect to the website.

2. Blocking Websites

You can use the host file to block specific websites or IP addresses. By adding a mapping to a non-existent or local IP address, you can prevent your computer from connecting to that website or server.

3. Testing Websites

You can use the host file to test websites before they go live. By adding a mapping for a website that is not yet live, you can access the website using its domain name instead of the IP address.

How to Edit the Host File in Windows Server 2016

Editing Host File in Notepad

The easiest way to edit the host file is to use Notepad. Here are the steps to edit the host file in Notepad:

1. Open Notepad as an Administrator.
2. Go to “File” -> “Open”.
3. Navigate to the directory “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc”.
4. Select “All Files” from the drop-down menu.
5. Double-click on the file named “hosts”.
6. Edit the file and save the changes.

Editing Host File Using Command Prompt

You can also edit the host file using the Command Prompt. Here are the steps to edit the host file using Command Prompt:

1. Open Command Prompt as an Administrator.
2. Type “notepad C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts” and press Enter.
3. Edit the file and save the changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I delete the host file?

A1. No, you should not delete the host file. It is an important system file that is required for proper networking.

Q2. Can I create my own host file?

A2. Yes, you can create your own host file. However, it is recommended to modify the existing host file rather than creating a new one.

Q3. How often is the host file used?

A3. The host file is used every time your computer needs to connect to another computer over the internet. However, if your computer is configured to use a DNS server, then the host file may not be used as frequently.

Q4. Can I use wildcards in the host file?

A4. No, the host file does not support wildcards. You need to add a separate entry for each hostname.

Q5. How do I know if my host file is working?

A5. You can test your host file by pinging the hostname that you have added to the file. If the ping is successful, then the host file is working.

Conclusion

We hope that this article has helped you understand the host file in Windows Server 2016. It is an important file that plays a crucial role in the networking process. Understanding how to edit and use the host file can help you troubleshoot network issues and improve your computer’s performance.