Win7 no restart needed after change in hosts file
hostfile location WIN7
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C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
After change in hosts file
1. ipconfig /flushdns will flush the local dns cache.
2. nbtstat -R will flush netbios cache. <----- Should be with Capital "R
3. restart browsers (FF may need 60 seconds to recognise changes)
Chrome
chrome://net-internals/#dns