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What is the Windows Hosts file anyhow and where is it on my computer?

TweakMASTER Knowledge Base article KB0089

TweakMASTER's DNS Accelerator manages a Windows file named Hosts. The file has no extension, unlike hosts.sam and hosts.org which are NOT the same thing. This is a standard Windows file, but normally blank. It can be added to manually, but Windows affords no way to manage it.

The danger of the Windows hosts file is that, over time it will become obsolete, and the obsolete numerical IP addresses stored in there can actually stop you from reaching the host web site. That is why TweakMASTER employs a proprietary technology to provide a simple and effective way to update this file on a regular schedule. This is a most important feature.

The Hosts file is normally located in the Windows directory, typically with the path C:\Windows\hosts. But depending on the operating system it may also be stored in other places. Windows NT for example stores it typically as C:\winnt\system32\drivers\etc\hosts. Windows XP as C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\HOSTS

The easiest way to find it is to go to "Find" on the Windows Start Menu and type in hosts. Windows will locate it for you very quickly. If you want to open this file, you can do so with notepad or any text editor. Just drag it in there or use File/Open.