> Source: [sk172123](https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk172123)

# sk172123 - 'Hosts' and 'Imhosts' files (from folder 'C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc') are locked and cannot be edited when Endpoint Security Client is installed

| Property | Value |
|----------|-------|
| Solution ID | sk172123 |
| Date Created | 2021-02-22 |
| Last Modified | 2021-05-18 |
| Technical Level | General |
| Products | Endpoint Security |
| Versions | Cloud, E89.X, E88.X |
| OS | Windows |

## Symptoms

- `Hosts` and `Imhosts` files (from folder `C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc`) are locked and cannot be edited when Endpoint Security Client is installed.

## Cause

The files were locked by the Endpoint Security Client self-protection mechanism.

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## Solution

As a quick workaround, the issue can be resolved by rebooting the OS.  

This problem was fixed. The fix is included in:

* [Enterprise Endpoint Security E84.60 Windows Clients](https://supportcenter.checkpoint.com/supportcenter/portal?eventSubmit_doGoviewsolutiondetails=&solutionid=sk172325&partition=Basic&product=Endpoint)

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