As a website designer, I usually setup sites on my computer, and modify them before uploading them into online website servers. However, after installed Windows 8, I can't edit hosts file. (I use Windows XP before, it works well.)

It keeps telling me that I have no right to edit. Very Strange!

There is only one account in my Windows 8, I think it should be administrator, but I can't edit it anyway.

What shall I do now? Shall I downgrade Windows 8 to Windows XP?

Hi,

Click Start – search for “Notepad“, right-click and select “Run as Administrator“. This should launch notepad with elevated privileges. Now, open the host file from the File menu, edit and save the windows 8 hosts file.

Originally Posted by Smile

Hi,

Click Start – search for “Notepad“, right-click and select “Run as Administrator“. This should launch notepad with elevated privileges. Now, open the host file from the File menu, edit and save the windows 8 hosts file.

Thanks it was very usefull.

Another trick that works is to copy the file to another folder (such as my documents) and then edit it there. After you're done move it back overtop of the one in the windows folder and then you'll get the UAC prompt to copy as an admin. This way if you use an editor like Notepad++ or something that's always left open you don't have to have it running as an administrator at all times.

Watch out because i have read that if you are running windows-defender then the etc/hosts files get changed back

Did you know that MS ignors the etc/hosts files for certain microsoft doamins so you can no longer use the file to block these domains ?

I only allow my machines to call home when I want them too and thats why I use a hardware firewall with outbound rules

I think you are going overboard with your [EDIT] attitude towards Microsoft/windows 8
I have, for various reasons, often modified my hosts file. Looking back at saved images, I can see no evidence that they have been changed, since the earliest release of Windows 8.
If any member reading this forum is, however, concerned , it is quite easy to put an exclusion in Windows defender, for the hosts file.

Originally Posted by davehc

I think you are going overboard with your neurotic attitude towards Microsoft/windows 8
I have, for various reasons, often modified my hosts file. Looking back at saved images, I can see no evidence that they have been changed, since the earliest release of Windows 8.
If any member reading this forum is, however, concerned , it is quite easy to put an exclusion in Windows defender, for the hosts file.

Sorry but i cannot agree

If MS has made exceptions to how the host files working in regards to blocking certain MS-Domain names then you have to ask yourself who's computer is it

You are correct in that you can make changes to windows defender so that it leaves the Hosts file alone but how many people know about the problem yet alone know how to fix it.

dottech.org/76665/how-to-block-websites-in-windows-8-using-the-hosts-file-be-sure-to-disable-windows-defender-first/

Sorry you will have to add the HTTP to the link, would not let me post it

This guy says people should turn defender off

OK Guys.... name calling and venom will not be tolerated on this forum.

Keep it friendly or it will be deleted, and you as well.

TM

PS: For those who actually know what a HOSTS file is and want to turn it on, Off and edit it, there is a neat little program, called "Hosts Manager" that will offer you all those options.
It can also download additions to your hosts file, from experts around the world.
Happy Computing!

I just downloaded the latest version of Hosts Manager Here:
http://www.abelhadigital.com/hostsman

TM