Unable to create hosts file - multitudes of access denies

Alright, so I've just encountered this problem today and it's inexplicably frustrating. I'm running Windows 8.1 x64 with only Bitdefender Total Security on. A day or so back I could edit and modify my hosts file perfectly. Today, it's just gone. There are 2 hosts[bunch of numbers].backup file in the CWindowsSystem32driversetc folder but I can't change them because of access denies, I can delete them though. I've tried modifying all kinds of ownership privileges, from properties in security tab, to takeown command and icacls commands, advanced security options and turning on and off antivirus. Even when the ownership is changed, I'm still getting denied access. Logging offshut down doesn't help either. Any help would be astronomically appreciated.

Hi

What would happen if you installed a simple Hosts Editor ?
Maybe you could get access that way.

Here are a couple ...

Hosts File Editor - Amazify

BlueLifeHosts editor

I use the one at the top but the bottom one has far more functions and features.

DaddyG

DaddyG said:

Hi

What would happen if you installed a simple Hosts Editor ?
Maybe you could get access that way.

Here are a couple ...

Hosts File Editor - Amazify

BlueLifeHosts editor

I use the one at the top but the bottom one has far more functions and features.

DaddyG

Click to expand...

The first one gave me an error as a result of the missing hosts file. The second is amazing. It made a new hosts file and is editing it perfectly! Thanks so much!!!