How to Test New Website Hosting Before Changing DNS
When moving a website to new hosting, changing DNS too early can cause problems like downtime or broken pages. A safer way is to test the new hosting first using the hosts file.
This method is commonly used by developers and web agencies, including Nokor-Web.
What Is the Hosts File?
The hosts file is a file on your computer that tells your browser:
“Open this domain using this IP address.”
If a domain is listed in the hosts file, your computer will ignore DNS and go directly to the specified server.
How to Edit the Hosts File (Windows)
1. Open Notepad as Administrator
2. Go to:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
3. Open the file named hosts
4. Add your IP and domain:
123.45.67.89 examplehotel.com
123.45.67.89 www.examplehotel.com
123.45.67.89 www.examplehotel.com
5. Save the file
Why Use Hosts File for Testing?
Using the hosts file helps you:
– Test a new hosting server safely
– See the website before going live
– Avoid downtime for real visitors
– Fix issues before DNS changes
– See the website before going live
– Avoid downtime for real visitors
– Fix issues before DNS changes
Using the hosts file helps you:
When to Remove It
After testing is complete and DNS is updated:
– Remove the entries from the hosts file
– Flush DNS if needed
– The website will work normally for everyone
– Flush DNS if needed
– The website will work normally for everyone
Final Tip from Nokor-Web
Testing new hosting with the hosts file is a safe and professional way to move a website. It helps prevent errors and ensures everything works correctly before going live.
At Nokor-Web, we always recommend this method for smooth website migration.
