Change DNS Settings in Windows XP

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.