How to create ".htaccess" file for Apache server on Windows platform?

You may think that under Microsoft Windows platform, we are not able to create any file with file name that starts with dot sign (.).

If you are setting up Apache Web Server on windows platform and wish to use .htaccess file to post certain authentication a.k.a security restrictions for some particular directories in the Web server, you might face the problem to create a ".htaccess" file.

From my understanding, actually we have at least two ways to create a file with filename that starts with a dot under Windows platform.

1) Use MS DOS command to rename an existing file with normal filename to filename starts with dot .

e.g.

C:\>ren htaccess .htaccess

2) During the process of creating and saving a new file by using notepad, put double quote (”) at the front and end of your desired filename (of course, we will need to select “All Files” from “Save as type:” drop down list as usual ) and click [Save] button.