Sometimes you may want to override the default DNS (Domain Name Server)
settings on your computer so you can specify which DNS server is used,
or which IP address should be used for a particular domain. There are
two ways to do this: Specify the DNS and map IP addresses.
(1) Specify the DNS to be Used
This method tells your computer which DNS to use for all your
internet browsing. Most home users have this set to "automatic" and the
DNS is provided by the user's ISP, but you can use any DNS you like (you
can even make your own DNS if you're keen).
Before you start you will need to know the IP address of the DNS to
use - if you don't know this you'll need to ask your system
administrator or ISP.
To set your DNS, you need to find the
Internet Protocol window.
- For Users on a Dial-up Connection:
- Go to My Computer>Dialup Networking.
- Right-click your internet connection and select Properties.
- A window will open - click the Server Types tab. Click TCP/IP Settings.
- For All Other Users:
- Go to Control Panel>Network Connections and select your local network.
- Click Properties, then select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
- Click Properties.
You will see a window like the one below - this is the
Internet Protocol window. Select
"Use the following DNS server addresses" and enter the desired DNS server(s) in the space(s) provided.
Note: To add more DNS servers, click
Advanced then the
DNS tab.
(2) Map IP Addresses
This method allows you to create settings for individual domains
without altering your main DNS preferences. This is useful if you don't
have access to a DNS or if you want to specify the location of a single
domain without interfering with any of your other online activities.
Open the following file in a plain text editor such as Notepad:
C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts
The file looks like the one below. At the end of the file (in this
case, under the localhost entry), enter the IP and domain you wish to
specify. When your browser attempts to access a domain it refers to this
file first - if the domain is found here then the specified IP address
will be used. If the domain is not found here, then the normal DNS
server (as specified above) will be used.