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Level 1

9 points

Cannot modify '/etc/hosts' as administrator

Hi all,

I know there're a lot of discussions and solutions to this question, but my case is very strange. I have tried all the methods I've seen on the internet, including

sudo nano /private/etc/hosts
sudo vi /private/etc/hosts
sudo /Applications/TextEdit.app/Contents/MacOS/TextEdit /etc/hosts (I encountered an error by running this command: TextEdit[5872:3e07] NSTrackPersistentURLs: LSSharedFileListInsertItemURL() failed at inserting URL file://localhost/private/etc/hosts (/private/etc/hosts) )
Manually change permissions of private and etc foloder through Finder
Use the system preference pane 'Hosts'
Use Gas Mask

All methods I used above have problem overwriting the file (1, 2 said my hosts file is read only and I'm not permitted to overwrite, 5,6 didn't make a change on hosts file after I edited and saved). The account I'm using is an admin account, so I should have the permission to overwrite the hosts file. I used to be able to edit the hosts file and this problem only comes out early this year. I doubt if my hosts file is somehow damaged? Has someone here experienced it and is able to help me figure it out? I would really appreciate it.

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Nov 27, 2012 6:52 PM

18 replies

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Nov 30, 2012 1:59 PM in response to hakerjack

For reasons only you know, you have locked the hosts file, as well as adding an inappropriate ACL to the etc directory. I'll limit myself to fixing the hosts file. Enter the following command in the same way as before -- NO TYPING:

sudo chflags nouchg /etc/hosts

You'll be prompted for your password, which won't be displayed when you type it. Type nothing in the window except your password. Then quit Terminal.

hakerjack Author

Level 1

9 points

Nov 30, 2012 2:07 PM in response to Linc Davis

Wow thanks! Now it works! I don't know what ACL and the user immutable flag are but I think I'll find out later. Thank both you and red_menace!

baltwo

Level 9

62,362 points

Nov 30, 2012 4:24 PM in response to hakerjack

ACLs = access control lists are described in the manpage for chmod. Access it via the man chmod command.

Info on flags in man chflags and described in http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20031017061722471

Cannot modify '/etc/hosts' as administrator