How do you edit hosts file on Windows 7

I'm trying to edit the hosts file (C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts), because I want to setup a local redirect for my website (like I've always done in XP). However, I can't save the changes!

I have taken ownership, I have allowed my account full access and have tweaked every other setting I can think of. Every time I edit and save it, "Access is denied" pops up.

How do I get past this?

Solution 1:

You have to open it with administrative access.

Launch Notepad with Administrative access then re-open the file.

Solution 2:

run notepad as administrator by right-clicking on a shortcut to notepad, and then opening the hosts file.