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Possible Duplicate:
Can I have Windows use additional HOSTS entries from a file server?

How can I set up a global windows hosts file on my network. I have a server store the file on.

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migrated from stackoverflow.com Feb 12 '11 at 21:23

marked as duplicate by BloodPhilia, studiohack♦ Feb 13 '11 at 7:19

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Hosts files are always local. If you want a global repository, use a dns server

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That requires all machines on the network to use that server as a DNS server. There's a simpler way using a GPO to share the hosts file – Foo Bah Feb 12 '11 at 17:50
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@Foo Bah : GPO requires AD which requires a DNS server, doesn't it ? – sfk Feb 12 '11 at 18:04
@sfk AD requires DNS but there are ways to do GPO without AD. – Foo Bah Feb 12 '11 at 18:11
to push out GPO changes, you need AD. This isn't possible with a WORKGROUP. – surfasb Feb 13 '11 at 6:39
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Depending on the windows version, the file can be in a few locations. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosts_(file)#Location_in_the_file_system

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this doesn't really answer the question – jgfkdjg Feb 12 '11 at 16:49
A group policy object can be used to distribute files, but it really depends on the network setup. – Foo Bah Feb 12 '11 at 16:51
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Hosts files are always local. If you want a global repository, use a dns server – sfk Feb 12 '11 at 16:53
@sfk: make that an answer, that is the real answer. – BlueRaja Feb 12 '11 at 16:59