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"Unable to connect to the Type Core due to an invalid hosts file” when opening Universal Type Client 6 for Mac OS

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Jeff
  • Updated

Problem

When I try to open Universal Type Client 6 for Mac OS, I get the following error message:

 

utc6-invalid-hosts-file.png

Environment

This article applies to Universal Type Client 6 on all supported versions of Mac OS.

Resolution

The default Mac OS hosts file may be missing one or more entries. The default hosts file looks like:

##
# Host Database
#
# localhost is used to configure the loopback interface
# when the system is booting. Do not change this entry.
##
127.0.0.1         localhost
255.255.255.255   broadcasthost
::1               localhost

Replace the hosts file

You can download a default Mac OS hosts file and a helper script from http://cs.us.extensis.com/HostsFile/RepairHostsFile.zip.

NOTE: The script must be run from a Mac OS Administrator account.

  1. Unzip RepairHostsFile.zip
  2. Open the RepairHostsFile folder
  3. Double-click the RepairHostsFile.command file
  4. Enter your Mac OS password when asked

You may see bullets, key icons, or nothing as you type your Mac OS password into the Terminal window, depending on the version of Mac OS you are using. This is normal.

Cause

Universal Type Client uses the hosts file to find and connect to the type core using the loopback address (localhost). If the hosts file is not present, or the entry for 127.0.0.1 points to a name other than localhost, you will see the error message displayed above.

If the hosts file has been modified, it may be removed when upgrading to a new version of Mac OS. Third-party applications or network utilities may incorrectly change the localhost entry as well. For more information, see How to Edit the Hosts File in Mac OS X with Terminal.

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