How can I make a Windows 7 allow me to edit a data file?

Question

I am running a Windows 7 operating system. I would like to edit a data file named "hosts" that is found in the following library: c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts The OS does not allow changes, and I do not know how to acquire administrator's power to be able to make the change. In addition, which program can edit such a file (a built-in text editor or an external one)?

Answer 1

From the Start menu, search for Command Prompt. Right-click on the Command Prompt application and choose Run as Administrator.

At the command prompt type:

notepad C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts

This will open notepad as an administrator which will let you edit and save the file.

Answer 2

You can run Notepad as Administrator (Right click on the shortcut in your start menu and choose 'Run as Administrator'), then open the HOSTS file from within Notepad.