Windows 7 Host file doesn't retain changes
On windows 7 pro I am attempting to make changes to the Host file in the hopes of blocking a site I don't want users to access, from this single PC.
I get the desired result when I do this then save the file however after a day or so when I go to check on the site & subsequently the Host file at:
C:\Windows\System32\driver
Its reverted to a default state with no entries.
The account I am using is an administrator but is not THE "Administrator" account that gets created when installing the OS.
Could there be a Windows File Protection thing going on here?
How can I get the entry I made to 'stick' permanently?
I get the desired result when I do this then save the file however after a day or so when I go to check on the site & subsequently the Host file at:
C:\Windows\System32\driver
Its reverted to a default state with no entries.
The account I am using is an administrator but is not THE "Administrator" account that gets created when installing the OS.
Could there be a Windows File Protection thing going on here?
How can I get the entry I made to 'stick' permanently?
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No, you do not need to delete the original hosts file. I edit them all the time simply by running the editor as administrator. I use Notepad. ... Thinkpads_User
See if your "Anti-virus" or "Internet Security" is replacing the files with their saved copy every time you boot up.
Antivirus (good A/V) does not impede editing the HOSTS file. One need only run the editor as Administrator. Works every time. .... Thinkpads_User
Symantec Endpoint will block changing the HOSTS file as will some others. I can't find it at the moment but there is another product that simply rewrites some critical files on boot to prevent permanent 'unauthorized' changes. So it is a possibility.
I have SEP running on my own and my client machines and it doesn't get in the way.
HOSTS is protected and when you double click on it, Notepad (or whatever) is not smart enough to open as administrator, so you need to do it manually. But as I noted, it works every time that way.
... Thinkpads_User
HOSTS is protected and when you double click on it, Notepad (or whatever) is not smart enough to open as administrator, so you need to do it manually. But as I noted, it works every time that way.
... Thinkpads_User
alexianit--Well, you do not need to delete the existing HOSTS file to make changes, but when you do make changes and assuming you have opened HOSTS in Notepad as suggested, you need to click File|Save. Now you have Saved the changes. Just like any other writing in Notepad.
Thank you. I was pleased to help and hope it is alll working for you. ... Thinkpads_User
1) you must delete the original hosts file before you save a new one to the same location
2) as you indicate you need to be "Administrator"