I found two Hosts files - anyone know why?

[Johnnybundles]

I have a newish Vista pc, I have tried to keep other HOSTS files tidy in Win2k XP. Now I want to do the same in Vista.
I appear to have two HOSTS files. Can anyone tell me why, and can one of them be removed?

I presume the one in the etc file is the right one, but what is the other?

File 1 is in C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
File 2 is in C:\Windows\winsxs\x86_microsoft-windows-w..nfrastructure-other_ + a long sequence of numbers

The content of both files is almost identical, the etc file has a single change I put in it, in order to view a site that had not propagated yet.

Plus....
One other question?

127.0.0.1 localhost
::1 localhost


What is the above line ::1 for?
Thanks in advance.
JB

 

[BadBigBen]

File 1 is the HOSTS file that Windows sees all the time...

File 2 is a backup afaik...


the ::1 is the IPv6 localhost address...

it is easy to remember, 128 bits - from which 127 are 0 and one is 1... or the decimal notation would be 0000:0000:0000:0000:0000:0000:0000:0001, now would you want to write all those 0's all the time when you ping the local host? most would not, thus it has been reduced...



Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[Johnnybundles]

I would write them, I like zeroes, they're my friends mmmmm........

Thanks Bad, all is clear now, Right I can start removing 112.2o7 and other Not friends.
Rapid response appreciated.
JB

 

[linney]

The other file is probably a backup for older operating systems or programs that have difficulty in using the Vista Host file.

The Secret Of Windows Vista Winsxs Folder.

http://www.winvistaclub.com/f16.html