This page describes how to edit a hosts file on a Windows 9.x machine

1.  What is a Hosts file?

A host file is a local file (local to one computer only) that can be used as a NetBIOS to TCP/IP address lookup table

2.  How can I edit my hotsts file?

Click on Start, find, files or folders
Type Hosts and choose Find Now
The computer will search for any file with the Name hosts

If the computer finds only Hosts.sam and LMHosts.sam, the customers machine is not currently using a hosts file.  Edit Hosts.sam
If the computer finds the above files and a file called Hosts with no extension, the customer is using a hosts file.    Edit Host

Double click the Hosts.sam or Hosts according to the above criteria.
You will be prompted to open the application with...  Select Notepad

Here is an example of a Hosts file

# Copyright (c) 1994 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Chicago
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
#      102.54.94.97     rhino.acme.com          # source server
#       38.25.63.10     x.acme.com              # x client host

127.0.0.1       localhost
192.168.10.48     PDC
192.168.10.46    NT_DDS_Server
 

At the bottom of the Hosts file, enter the TCP/IP address of the machine you wish to include in your hosts file.

 Hit tab and then type the computer name (NetBIOS name) of this same machine.

Save the Hosts file

If you are working with the Hosts.sam file, you must rename it to Hosts.  You must delete the extension

You have successfully created or edited the Hosts file on the workstation.

You have to repeat this process for all intended Workstations.