I would like to know if it’s possible to edit a file from within the browser. I know where the file is and I know its format. I would like to some HTML5 and JavaScript but have little luck so don’t mind using Flash or Java.
The file I would like to edit is the hosts file. C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts on Windows XP.
This is mostly for test run of a new breed of AdBlocking so would like to give my browser and the best chance of working. I have Google Chrome Dev opened as ROOT, running on Windows XP.
Java applets can as long as they are signed ..
Follow these intructions to sign an applet.
P.S these instructions are for a linux setup. You might need to set up environment variables in windows.
Jar signing link
so al long as the users allow the applet to run the applet the applet can modify anything on the file sysem and even open connections to other computers.. and most importantly the applet can be hidden in a corner if that is what you wish