How to Create a LMHOSTS File

A LMHOSTS file is an older technology used to connect networks in Microsoft Windows operating systems like Windows 2000, 98 and 95. The file contains a map of host IP addresses. It's placed in the Windows system folder where the operating system uses it to find domain controllers and other servers on the network. The LMHOSTS file has no extension, and it has a specific format to function properly.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows "Start" button and select "Programs." Choose "Accessories" from the list and click "Notepad." A LMHOSTS file is a plain-text file, so Notepad is used to create entries.

2. Add an entry for a domain. This is for fully qualified domain names such as "mydomain.com." The syntax for the entry is as follows:
   192.168.0.11 #PRE #DOM:THEDOMAIN
   The "#PRE" entry places the address in the computer's cache. This is reserved for locations on the network that are commonly used.

3. Add the primary domain control. The domain controller is needed for several calls on the network, so it is also cached in the file.
   192.168.0.10 primary #PRE #DOM:ADDRESS #PDC for thedomain

4. Save the file. LMHOSTS is saved with no extension. After saving the file, Notepad appends a .txt to the end of the file. Remove the extension.

5. Save the file to the Windows system directory. The location for the file is C:\System32\Drivers\Etc. This is specific for LMHOSTS lookups.

6. Reboot the computer for the changes to take effect.

References

• Microsoft TechNet: Creating Entries in the LMHOSTS File