The file C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts isn't working and is being ignored?

F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems The file C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts isn't working and is being ignored?

The file C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts isn't working and is being ignored?

The file C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts isn't working and is being ignored?

Pages (3): 1 2 3 Next

M

Mai_Games
Member

105

08-31-2016, 11:39 AM

#1

I have a fresh Windows 10 Pro installation, completely updated. It functions properly, but I'm having trouble adding aliases for local network devices. The title file is intact and has proper permissions. I can ping the IP address on my NAS, but I prefer using "nas" instead of the full address. I've tried opening it in an editor that displays hidden characters like tabs and newlines. The file has been restored and edited with various tools (running as admin). The changes are visible to regular users, and they work across other Windows 10 systems. I've rebooted and cleared the DNS cache multiple times. If the file is sound, permissions are correct, and syntax is fine, what adjustment would allow the "C:\\Windows\\System32\\drivers\\etc\\hosts" file?

M

Mai_Games

08-31-2016, 11:39 AM #1

I have a fresh Windows 10 Pro installation, completely updated. It functions properly, but I'm having trouble adding aliases for local network devices. The title file is intact and has proper permissions. I can ping the IP address on my NAS, but I prefer using "nas" instead of the full address. I've tried opening it in an editor that displays hidden characters like tabs and newlines. The file has been restored and edited with various tools (running as admin). The changes are visible to regular users, and they work across other Windows 10 systems. I've rebooted and cleared the DNS cache multiple times. If the file is sound, permissions are correct, and syntax is fine, what adjustment would allow the "C:\\Windows\\System32\\drivers\\etc\\hosts" file?

O

olitiger
Junior Member

5

08-31-2016, 11:45 AM

#2

Check if the host file is stored in the SystemWOW64 directory rather than the System32 folder. Consider how file redirection affects this when editing applications between 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

O

olitiger

08-31-2016, 11:45 AM #2

Check if the host file is stored in the SystemWOW64 directory rather than the System32 folder. Consider how file redirection affects this when editing applications between 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

K

Khromatic
Member

200

09-06-2016, 01:09 PM

#3

It is confirmed that the file resides at the specified full path, not SystemWOW64. There was no prior knowledge of SystemWOW64. The required secondary location appears to be different from the mentioned address.

K

Khromatic

09-06-2016, 01:09 PM #3

It is confirmed that the file resides at the specified full path, not SystemWOW64. There was no prior knowledge of SystemWOW64. The required secondary location appears to be different from the mentioned address.

J

JokerFame
Senior Member

670

09-09-2016, 09:14 AM

#4

there is a typo in the path? an extra character in the path.
correct version should be: c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
note: an old issue in cmd.exe removes leading backslashes.
this matches what was mentioned, though newer Windows versions may have fixed some of these bugs due to optional settings.

J

JokerFame

09-09-2016, 09:14 AM #4

there is a typo in the path? an extra character in the path.
correct version should be: c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
note: an old issue in cmd.exe removes leading backslashes.
this matches what was mentioned, though newer Windows versions may have fixed some of these bugs due to optional settings.

J

Jetfighter10j
Member

60

09-09-2016, 05:28 PM

#5

The path is accurate. Also, the file wasn't manually edited to change the format; that's just the display. "C:" refers to the C drive; starting with "\", followed by the absolute path is "C:\". Browsers convert a forward slash into "http" when viewing it, but the root remains the same. Regardless, my editor opened this from Windows file explorer, and the comments at the top were actually present. No error. I'm just unsure why edits are being skipped. There must be a bug, though—I'm not sure what it is. I've tried this on several Windows 10 systems, and none have ever been ignored until now.

J

Jetfighter10j

09-09-2016, 05:28 PM #5

The path is accurate. Also, the file wasn't manually edited to change the format; that's just the display. "C:" refers to the C drive; starting with "\", followed by the absolute path is "C:\". Browsers convert a forward slash into "http" when viewing it, but the root remains the same. Regardless, my editor opened this from Windows file explorer, and the comments at the top were actually present. No error. I'm just unsure why edits are being skipped. There must be a bug, though—I'm not sure what it is. I've tried this on several Windows 10 systems, and none have ever been ignored until now.

M

MinaMoo
Member

210

09-10-2016, 02:32 AM

#6

This is quite unusual.
Consider using HostsMan?
HostsMan · abelhadigital.com
HostsMan is a free software tool that helps you manage your hosts file easily.
www.abelhadigital.com
You can also configure a local DNS such as Technitium DNS

M

MinaMoo

09-10-2016, 02:32 AM #6

This is quite unusual.
Consider using HostsMan?
HostsMan · abelhadigital.com
HostsMan is a free software tool that helps you manage your hosts file easily.
www.abelhadigital.com
You can also configure a local DNS such as Technitium DNS

T

Thanax1
Junior Member

8

09-28-2016, 03:29 AM

#7

I usually don't rely on third-party apps. Still, I'm keen to understand the issues with this hosts file instead of trying to find a solution. I've never worked with a hosts file before and have used it for a very long time.

T

Thanax1

09-28-2016, 03:29 AM #7

I usually don't rely on third-party apps. Still, I'm keen to understand the issues with this hosts file instead of trying to find a solution. I've never worked with a hosts file before and have used it for a very long time.

A

Alonzi
Member

66

09-28-2016, 05:16 AM

#8

If you're unable to resolve the hosts file problem, I'm unsure how to address the naming issue without relying on a DNS server. Could you provide details about your NAS brand and model? Also, does it support running a DNS service, server, Docker, or VM?

A

Alonzi

09-28-2016, 05:16 AM #8

If you're unable to resolve the hosts file problem, I'm unsure how to address the naming issue without relying on a DNS server. Could you provide details about your NAS brand and model? Also, does it support running a DNS service, server, Docker, or VM?

G

gibbyelvis
Member

54

10-06-2016, 03:09 AM

#9

DNS functions properly. The custom alias for nas and printer is causing the issue, while the rest operates correctly.

G

gibbyelvis

10-06-2016, 03:09 AM #9

DNS functions properly. The custom alias for nas and printer is causing the issue, while the rest operates correctly.

N

ngaiyan
Member

141

10-06-2016, 12:09 PM

#10

It's not about my ability to connect or reach the NAS. I can use the dotted decimal address too. Plus, the printer and three more computers on the network also work with dotted decimal. Google, many other people by name have done it perfectly.

N

ngaiyan

10-06-2016, 12:09 PM #10

It's not about my ability to connect or reach the NAS. I can use the dotted decimal address too. Plus, the printer and three more computers on the network also work with dotted decimal. Google, many other people by name have done it perfectly.

Pages (3): 1 2 3 Next