Maybe you used to edit the Host files in other Windows versions, for example, filter out traffic to Web servers serving unwanted content, such as advertising or otherwise. But in Vista, you have certainly noticed that when it is not possible. You are meet only by an error that the file could not be created.

Vista is a bit different from previous versions of Windows. Vista introduced the new User Account Control (UAC) to help protect common users from malicious activities. In doing so, UAC has also hindered productivity. Not only does it ask you to confirm everything you want to do, it blocks your access to edit the HOSTS file. Let’s fix this so you can have complete control of it.

This is due to Vista’s higher security level. It is simply impossible to use the Notes directly to modify the Hosts file, like when fixing wireless problems, you must run the program with administrator rights. Find the Notes in the start menu, but right click instead of using the left mouse button. Select “Run as administrator”.

Then you can use the program to open the Hosts file and you can save your changes without any problems.

1 Browse to Start -> All Programs -> Accessories
2 Right click “Notepad” and select “Run as administrator”
3 Click “Continue” on the UAC prompt
4 Click File -> Open
5 Browse to “C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\etc”
6 Change the file filter drop down box from “Text Documents (*.txt)” to “All Files (*.*)”
7 Select “hosts” and click “Open”
8 Make the needed changes and close Notepad. Save when prompted.

(Hosts file is located in C: \ windows \ system32 \ drivers \ etc)

This is very easy and you don’t need a registry cleaner to edit your host files in vista.