How to Change Your Local Host Name

The default name of the local computer address is called "localhost." Therefore, the localhost is the address of the computer that an application is running on in a network. It is also known as the loopback address because it is the same address as the loopback network interface. The IP address of the localhost is "127.0.0.1." To change the localhost name, you have to edit the "Hosts" file in Windows.

Instructions

1. Click "Start," then type "C:\WINDOWS\System32\drivers\etc" in the search bar, then press "Enter." The System 32\drivers\etc folder will open.

2. Click "Tools" on the main menu, then select "Folder options" from the drop-down list. Click the "View" tab, then click the check box next to "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" under "Hidden files and folders." Click the "Apply to Folders" button. The "Hosts" file will appear in the System 32\drivers\etc folder.

3. Click "Start," then type "Notepad" in the search box and press "Enter." Right-click on "Notepad" from the results list, then select "Run as administrator" from the pop-up list.

4. Double-click the "Hosts" file in the System 32\drivers\etc folder, then select "Notepad" from the "Open with" list. The file will open in Notepad. Scroll down to the bottom of the file until you see: "127.0.0.1 localhost." Replace the word "localhost" with the name you prefer. Click "File," then click "Save" from the drop-down list.

References

• Oozman.com: How to Change 'Localhost'
• Help Desk Geek: Windows 7 - Edit the Hosts File