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Can't edit hosts file in Windows Server 2012

When trying to edit the hosts file, I get a "The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process."

I know the file is controlled by the SYSTEM. I tried opening NotePad with administrator rights but that did not help. I am not logged in as the system, but as an administrator and have full control on the C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc folder.

How can I edit the hosts file?

SOLUTION

Cliff Galiher

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Mohammed Khawaja

You need administrator privileges. Vat art command prompt as administrator and then run the following:

Notepad c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

PBIT

ASKER

Already running notepad in admin mode. That does not solve the problem.

Luis Moura

Try in safe mode, and check if you can.

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Cliff Galiher

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SOLUTION

Lee W, MVP

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Rakesh Kapoor

Open Notepad by selection the option run as an administrator > click on File > select Open and then browse the path of host file i.e. c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts.

Make the changes and then save it. Hope it would fix the issue.

PBIT

ASKER

Thanks, I will look into the virus scanner potential.