Windows Server 2019 Host File: A Complete Guide for Devs

Greetings, Dev! In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about Windows Server 2019 Host File. We’ll cover the basics, such as what a host file is and how it works, as well as more advanced topics such as editing and troubleshooting. Let’s get started!

What is a Host File?

A host file is a plain text file that maps hostnames to IP addresses. It is used by the operating system to resolve domain names to IP addresses. Without a host file, your computer would have to rely on DNS servers to resolve domain names. The host file is usually located in the “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc” folder.

When you type a website’s URL into your browser, the browser sends a request to a DNS server to resolve the domain name. If the DNS server is not available or slow, the request may take a long time to complete. By using a host file, your computer can resolve the domain name locally, without relying on a DNS server.

How Does a Host File Work?

When your computer needs to resolve a domain name, it checks the host file first. If the domain name is listed in the host file, the computer uses the corresponding IP address to connect to the website. If the domain name is not listed in the host file, the computer sends a request to a DNS server to resolve the domain name.

Host files contain lines of text that map domain names to IP addresses. Each line consists of an IP address, a space or a tab, and a domain name. For example, the following line maps the domain name “example.com” to the IP address “192.168.1.1”:

IP Address	Domain Name
192.168.1.1	example.com

You can add as many lines as you need to the host file. If you want to add a comment, start the line with the “#” symbol. For example, the following line is a comment:

# This is a comment

How to Edit the Host File

Editing the host file is simple, but you need to have administrator privileges. Here are the steps to edit the host file:

Step 1: Open Notepad as an Administrator

Right-click on the Notepad icon and select “Run as administrator”.

Step 2: Open the Host File

Click on “File” and select “Open”. Navigate to “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc” and select “All Files” from the drop-down menu. Select the “hosts” file and click “Open”.

Step 3: Add or Remove Entries

Add new entries by typing them at the bottom of the file, or remove existing entries by deleting them. Save the file when you are done.

How to Troubleshoot Host File Issues

Host file issues can cause problems when trying to access websites. Here are some common problems and solutions:

Problem 1: Incorrect Entries

If an entry in the host file is incorrect, your computer may not be able to access the website. Check the entry and make sure it is correct.

Problem 2: Incorrect File Permissions

If you cannot edit the host file, you may not have the necessary permissions. Make sure you are logged in as an administrator and that you are using Notepad as an administrator.

Problem 3: DNS Server Issues

If your computer cannot resolve a domain name using the host file, it will send a request to a DNS server. If the DNS server is not available or slow, the request may take a long time to complete. Check your network connection and DNS server settings.

FAQ

Q1: What happens if I delete the host file?

A: If you delete the host file, your computer will still be able to access websites using DNS servers. However, your computer may experience slower response times due to the time it takes to resolve domain names using DNS servers.

Q2: Can I use the host file to block websites?

A: Yes, you can use the host file to block websites. Add the website’s domain name to the host file and map it to the IP address “127.0.0.1”. This will prevent your computer from accessing the website.

Q3: How do I know if the host file is working?

A: You can test the host file by adding an entry for a website that you know is down. If your computer is able to access the website, the host file is not working.

Q4: Can I edit the host file on a remote computer?

A: Yes, you can edit the host file on a remote computer using a remote management tool such as PowerShell or Remote Desktop.

Q5: Can I use the host file to redirect websites?

A: Yes, you can use the host file to redirect websites. Add the website’s domain name to the host file and map it to the IP address of the new website. This will redirect your computer to the new website.

That’s it, Dev! We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the Windows Server 2019 Host File. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments section below.