Unless you use WinPatrol, if you have Windows Vista or Windows 7 it is necessary to go through the following steps in order to edit the HOSTS file:
- Click Start
- Click All Programs
- Click Accessories
- Right-click Notepad, and then click Run as administrator, accepting the UAC prompt.
- Navigate to the HOSTS file located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc. right-click and select to open with Notepad.
With WinPatrol, it is much easier to edit the HOSTS File, regardless of your operating system. Just follow the following steps:
- Right-click on Scotty in the system tray to launch WinPatrol, selecting "Options". Windows Vista and Windows 7 Users: Accept any UAC Prompts
- Click "View HOSTS file", which will launch the HOSTS file in Notepad