Setting up my local server to mimic a top-level domain like www.mydevsite.com

Question

How do I setup a local server so that if you visit something like www.my-dev-branch.com on the local machine it points to the files on your system, e.g. 'c:/wamp/www/www.my-dev-copy.com'

Note, I'm on Windows 7 using WAMP

Answer 1

Usually this kind of thing is done manipulating the hosts file in C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC

You add a line like this

127.0.0.1       www.my-dev-branch.com 

Remember that in Win7 this path is hidden from normal view.
You need to type the path directly in the address bar of an explorer window.
Of course Administrator Rights are required.