How can I edit system files in Windows Vista/7 from Explorer?

How can I edit system files in Windows Vista/7 from Explorer? In Windows Vista/7, when I open a system file (say, system32/drivers/etc/hosts) with an editor (I am using Notepad++, but I guess it can be anything else) and make some changes to it, I cannot save the file due to the file is protected.
Asked by: Guest \| Views: 369

Total answers/comments: 1

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Guest [Entry]

"While Molly's answer is close, if you set the ""Run this program as an administrator"" on the actual .exe itself (Usually at C:\Program Files\Notepad++ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Notepad++), it'll cause any double clicking on an associated filetype to request elevation.

Keep in mind that this may cause the default ""Edit in Notepad++"" menu item to break with an error of "" Error creating process: nppcm.dll needs to be in the same directory as the notepad++ executable "" (at least it did on my default install), but right-clicking on the file, pointing to ""Open With"" and selecting Notepad++ from there will work."