Windows Server 2012 R2 Hosts File Not Working: A Comprehensive Guide for Devs

Greetings, Devs! If you’re experiencing issues with your Windows Server 2012 R2 hosts file not working, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to troubleshoot and fix any issues related to your hosts file.

What is a Hosts File?

A hosts file is a plain text file that maps hostnames to IP addresses. It is used by the operating system to map domain names to IP addresses locally without having to query a DNS server every time.

In Windows, the hosts file is located in the %systemroot%\system32\drivers\etc directory, and it is named hosts.

Common Issues with Hosts File on Windows Server 2012 R2

Despite its importance, hosts file on Windows Server 2012 R2 can sometimes malfunction. Here are some common issues that Devs might face:

How to Fix the Hosts File Not Working on Windows Server 2012 R2

Step 1: Check the Hosts File Syntax

The hosts file should be written in a specific format to work correctly. Check if the syntax of the file is correct by opening the hosts file using Notepad or any text editor.

Make sure it follows the format:

[ip address] [hostname]

For example, to map the IP address 192.168.1.1 to the hostname example.com, the syntax would be:

192.168.1.1 example.com

If the syntax of the hosts file is incorrect, it won’t work as expected. Fix any errors in the syntax and save the changes before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2: Check the File Permissions

Another common issue faced by Devs is that they are unable to save changes to the hosts file. This is often caused by incorrect file permissions.

To fix this, follow these steps:

1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the hosts file location (%systemroot%\system32\drivers\etc).
2. Right-click on the hosts file and select Properties.
3. Select the Security tab and click on the Edit button.
4. Add your user account to the list of users and grant it the Full control permission.
5. Click OK to save the changes and close the dialog box.

Step 3: Clear the DNS Cache

If you’re still facing issues with the hosts file not working, try clearing the DNS cache. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: ipconfig /flushdns
3. Wait for the command to execute and then try accessing the website again.

Step 4: Restart the DNS Client Service

If clearing the DNS cache doesn’t work, try restarting the DNS Client service. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Services console by typing services.msc in the Run dialog box.
2. Locate the DNS Client service and right-click on it.
3. Select Restart from the context menu.
4. Wait for the service to restart and then try accessing the website again.

Step 5: Disable the Windows Firewall

In some cases, the Windows Firewall can interfere with the hosts file and prevent it from working as expected. To fix this issue, you can temporarily disable the Windows Firewall. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Control Panel and navigate to System and Security > Windows Firewall.
2. Select Turn Windows Firewall on or off.
3. Select the Turn off Windows Firewall (not recommended) option under both the Public network settings and Private network settings.
4. Click OK to save the changes.

Remember to turn the Windows Firewall back on once you have confirmed that it is not the cause of the issue.

FAQ

1. What is the hosts file used for?

The hosts file is used to map domain names to IP addresses locally without having to query a DNS server every time.

2. Where is the hosts file located in Windows Server 2012 R2?

The hosts file is located in the %systemroot%\system32\drivers\etc directory, and it is named hosts.

3. How do I edit the hosts file?

You can edit the hosts file using any text editor such as Notepad. Remember to open it with administrative privileges.

4. Can I add comments to the hosts file?

Yes, you can add comments to the hosts file by starting the line with the # character.

5. Can I block websites using the hosts file?

Yes, you can block websites using the hosts file by mapping the domain name to the loopback address (127.0.0.1).

Conclusion

Devs, we hope that this comprehensive guide has helped you troubleshoot and fix any issues related to your hosts file on Windows Server 2012 R2. Remember to follow the steps carefully and seek professional help if you’re unable to resolve the issue on your own. Happy troubleshooting!