Vista - Can't save changes to windows system file

04-02-2008

I really need to change a system file called 'hosts'. I've changed it many
times before, but today I'm not allowed. I access the file, make a very
small change, then try to save it just by leaving the path as is. Then I get
a message that says "Cannot save file, check path.." But I haven't changed
the path! Even if I do try to re-type the path, that doesn't help.

Any suggestions???

04-02-2008

Add "Take Ownership" to right-click menu in Vista
http://www.petri.co.il/add-take-owne...menu-vista.htm
-------
*Report back, please*
[When responding to posts, please include the post(s) you are replying to so
that others may learn and benefit from the issue]

[How to ask a question]
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375

"Flowerchild" <Flowerchild@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:A6E6BD53-CEEB-46E2-A96A-0B6B7B94B013@xxxxxx

Quote:

>I really need to change a system file called 'hosts'. I've changed it many
> times before, but today I'm not allowed. I access the file, make a very
> small change, then try to save it just by leaving the path as is. Then I
> get
> a message that says "Cannot save file, check path.." But I haven't
> changed
> the path! Even if I do try to re-type the path, that doesn't help.
>
> Any suggestions???

04-02-2008

Flowerchild wrote:

Quote:

> I really need to change a system file called 'hosts'. I've changed it
> many
> times before, but today I'm not allowed. I access the file, make a very
> small change, then try to save it just by leaving the path as is. Then I
> get
> a message that says "Cannot save file, check path.." But I haven't
> changed
> the path! Even if I do try to re-type the path, that doesn't help.
>
> Any suggestions???

If you have changed the hosts file many times before, then this time you are
forgetting to run Notepad elevated. Or maybe you've only changed the hosts
file on XP before.

On Vista, the hosts file is protected. To change it, Start Orb>Search
box>type: Notepad. When Notepad appears in the Results box above,
right-click on it and choose "Run as Administrator". An elevated Notepad
will open. Open the hosts file with your elevated Notepad and make your
changes. You will be able to save it now.

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
Don't Panic!

04-02-2008

Bob wrote:

Quote:

> Add "Take Ownership" to right-click menu in Vista
> http://www.petri.co.il/add-take-owne...menu-vista.htm

This is a situation where the OP does *not* want to take permanent ownership
of the hosts file - a protected file. See my answer to him/her. The take
ownership right-click entry is fine, but taking ownership is not the answer
to everything. Permissions changes should be used judiciously, only where
actually needed. Temporarily elevation should be used in this case.

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
Don't Panic!

04-04-2008

What new security software have you recently installed that may protest the
hosts file? Many programs have that option including Spybot Search and
Destroy!

"Flowerchild" <Flowerchild@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:A6E6BD53-CEEB-46E2-A96A-0B6B7B94B013@xxxxxx

Quote:

>I really need to change a system file called 'hosts'. I've changed it many
> times before, but today I'm not allowed. I access the file, make a very
> small change, then try to save it just by leaving the path as is. Then I
> get
> a message that says "Cannot save file, check path.." But I haven't
> changed
> the path! Even if I do try to re-type the path, that doesn't help.
>
> Any suggestions???

04-02-2008	#1 (permalink)
Flowerchild n/a posts	Can't save changes to windows system file I really need to change a system file called 'hosts'. I've changed it many times before, but today I'm not allowed. I access the file, make a very small change, then try to save it just by leaving the path as is. Then I get a message that says "Cannot save file, check path.." But I haven't changed the path! Even if I do try to re-type the path, that doesn't help. Any suggestions???
My System Specs

04-02-2008	#2 (permalink)
Bob n/a posts	Re: Can't save changes to windows system file Add "Take Ownership" to right-click menu in Vista http://www.petri.co.il/add-take-owne...menu-vista.htm ------- Report back, please [When responding to posts, please include the post(s) you are replying to so that others may learn and benefit from the issue] [How to ask a question] http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555375 "Flowerchild" <Flowerchild@xxxxxx> wrote in message news:A6E6BD53-CEEB-46E2-A96A-0B6B7B94B013@xxxxxx Quote: >I really need to change a system file called 'hosts'. I've changed it many > times before, but today I'm not allowed. I access the file, make a very > small change, then try to save it just by leaving the path as is. Then I > get > a message that says "Cannot save file, check path.." But I haven't > changed > the path! Even if I do try to re-type the path, that doesn't help. > > Any suggestions???
My System Specs

04-02-2008	#3 (permalink)
Malke n/a posts	Re: Can't save changes to windows system file Flowerchild wrote: Quote: > I really need to change a system file called 'hosts'. I've changed it > many > times before, but today I'm not allowed. I access the file, make a very > small change, then try to save it just by leaving the path as is. Then I > get > a message that says "Cannot save file, check path.." But I haven't > changed > the path! Even if I do try to re-type the path, that doesn't help. > > Any suggestions??? If you have changed the hosts file many times before, then this time you are forgetting to run Notepad elevated. Or maybe you've only changed the hosts file on XP before. On Vista, the hosts file is protected. To change it, Start Orb>Search box>type: Notepad. When Notepad appears in the Results box above, right-click on it and choose "Run as Administrator". An elevated Notepad will open. Open the hosts file with your elevated Notepad and make your changes. You will be able to save it now. Malke -- MS-MVP Elephant Boy Computers www.elephantboycomputers.com Don't Panic!
My System Specs

04-02-2008	#4 (permalink)
Malke n/a posts	Re: Can't save changes to windows system file Bob wrote: Quote: > Add "Take Ownership" to right-click menu in Vista > http://www.petri.co.il/add-take-owne...menu-vista.htm This is a situation where the OP does not want to take permanent ownership of the hosts file - a protected file. See my answer to him/her. The take ownership right-click entry is fine, but taking ownership is not the answer to everything. Permissions changes should be used judiciously, only where actually needed. Temporarily elevation should be used in this case. Malke -- MS-MVP Elephant Boy Computers www.elephantboycomputers.com Don't Panic!
My System Specs

04-04-2008	#5 (permalink)
Richard Urban n/a posts	Re: Can't save changes to windows system file What new security software have you recently installed that may protest the hosts file? Many programs have that option including Spybot Search and Destroy! "Flowerchild" <Flowerchild@xxxxxx> wrote in message news:A6E6BD53-CEEB-46E2-A96A-0B6B7B94B013@xxxxxx Quote: >I really need to change a system file called 'hosts'. I've changed it many > times before, but today I'm not allowed. I access the file, make a very > small change, then try to save it just by leaving the path as is. Then I > get > a message that says "Cannot save file, check path.." But I haven't > changed > the path! Even if I do try to re-type the path, that doesn't help. > > Any suggestions???
My System Specs

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