Where is the Hosts file in Windows 7 x64 Ultimate

In Windows 7 x64 the /etc directory and the HOSTS file is hidden.

In the original Windows 7 32 bit, the HOSTS was located at C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\HOSTS.

Apparently in x64 it cannot be located using a file manager, as MS has hidden the directory.  The HOSTS file IS available however, and it can be edited.  It's just a bit trickier than it use to be. I finally wrote a batch to open HOSTS and load my editor.

So, to edit your HOSTS file in x64... simply do the following:

1.  Go to Start, click Run--> and type or copy and paste the following into the Run box: 

            %systemroot%\system32\drivers\etc\hosts

2.  Then choose an application to open it with. Use a non formatting text editor, such as

     notepad, or Edit Pad Lite (my favorite)

3.  A window will open that allows you to select your favorite pure text editor. HOSTS will

     open within your editor after you click on it.   

4.  If an editor is not automatically displayed for you to utilize, select browse and locate a

     non formatting text editor in program files or program files(x86)

5.  I strongly suggest you first copy and paste the original HOSTS file into your text editor

    and save it to a location where it can be found again. Now, safely backed up, edit the

    HOSTS file as you wish, using the proper structure as advised in the heading of the file.   

That should get you there.

I sincerely hope I have been of some assistance.

Hello Dear,

1)To show hidden folders in Windows 7, Open Windows Explorer to bring up the File menu. Click on Tools and then Folder Options

2)Click on the View tab and then click on the Show hidden files, folders, and drives radio button under Hidden files and folders.

After that check below Path or Option to view host file.

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc

then you get "hosts" file. If you want to change or add in this file you should have to administrator users or rights.

or

Start-> Run->just copy & paste %systemroot%\system32\drivers\etc\ n u get Host file.

Thanks,

Maulesh Pawar

I'm running Win 7 64 ultimate, and there is no hosts file in that directory (though there is 'lmhosts.sam').

Thank you very much Bruce.  I have edited that one but I thought there might be another one specifically for the 64-bit.  Guess not and again, thanks for the quick answer.

Have a great week.

If all is not lost, where is it?