Hosts File

[Peter]

Not sure why but my computer does not appear to be reading
my hosts file. I have check the path throughout the system
and it is correct. I can ping localhost that is in the
host file but anything else it does not work.

Is there a way to tell what hosts file I am using cause
everything I have found says I am using the one in
C:\winnit\drivers\etc dir and I have triple checked it and
it is right.

 

[Herb Martin]

Not sure why but my computer does not appear to be reading
my hosts file. I have check the path throughout the system
and it is correct. I can ping localhost that is in the
host file but anything else it does not work.

Is there a way to tell what hosts file I am using cause
everything I have found says I am using the one in
C:\winnit\drivers\etc dir and I have triple checked it and
it is right.

What is the file name? A common mistake it to create it with
"notepad" or another program that appends .TXT to the file
name. Use quotes or rename it with NO EXTENSION.

Another problem is editing the file with a non-text program like
Word and failing to save as PLAIN TEXT.

The way to ensure a host file is being used it to put something
UNIQUE in there and just test it, i.e.,

GoofyNameFromFile1 127.0.0.99

ping GoofyNameFromFile1

If you don't get a resolution, then you can pretty well tell one of
the following is true:

1) File in wrong place (%systemroot%\system32\drivers\etc
2) Wrong file name (must be JUST 'hosts')
3) Wrong format (not plain text or you put the IP before the name etc.)