Hosts file/View

The hosts file is a plain text file used to map host names to IP addresses. On Windows, it is located in the C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc folder. This activity will show you how to view the hosts file.

Preparation

To prepare for this activity:

1. Start Windows.
2. Log in if necessary.

View the hosts File

To view the hosts file:

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Select All Programs.
3. Select Accessories.
4. Select Notepad.
5. In Notepad, select File then Open.
6. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.
7. Change the file type to open from Text Documents (*.txt) to All Files (*.*).
8. Open the hosts file.
9. Read the comments in the host file. The comments begin with a # character.
10. Observe the host records stored in the file. At a minimum you should find a record for 127.0.0.1 localhost.
11. Close Notepad. Do not save any changes.

Readings

• Wikipedia: hosts file
• Wikipedia: Internet Protocol
• Wikipedia: Domain Name System

References

• Microsoft TechNet: Setting Up HOSTS Files