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Accidentally saved hosts file as a txt

Anonymous
2014-09-10T12:00:03+00:00

Hey guys! So while I was editing my hosts file, I accidentally saved it as a .txt file from notepad. Is there anyway to change it back?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-09-10T16:15:47+00:00

    Typically, I locate Notepad and right-click, Run as administrator when dealing with any of the files within the %SYSTEMDIR%\System32\Drivers\Etc folder but you are probably already aware of that.

    When saving your Hosts file from Notepad you need to change the Save as type: to All files (*.*) or Notepad will always try to tack on a .TXT extension.

    If you want to try to rename from an elevated command prompt, click Start or tap the Windows key and type cmd then hit Ctrl+Shift+Enter all together. Acknowledge the UAC warning and provide credentials if asked. With the elevated command prompt window open you can issue the following command,

    copy C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc\Hosts.txt Hosts

    That should make a copy of your Hosts file without the .TXT extension. You can keep the one with the .TXT extension as a backup or delete it.

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