How To Fix Unable to browse SharePoint locally or Search Service Fails to Index Content Error

This is an alternative to the "disable loopback check" which is no longer recommended by Msft due to security concerns related to local activation.

Problem

You are able to browse SharePoint normally from external sources, but when you attempt to access SharePoint on the local server for anything other than the machine name you are presented with multiple login prompts that ultimately result in a login error

Explanation

The http request fails because a loopback check runs and fails preventing Kerberos from succeeding (because there’s no SPN for the url you are using to access SharePoint)

Solution

As always, take backups, snapshots, and test in staging!!!

You will need registry access to complete the steps mapped out below

Firstly, open regedit and search for MSV1_0



Create a new Multi-String Value



Set the value of the BackConnectionHostNames with one entry per line



If the steps above don’t work modify the hosts file appropriately in c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc to contain references to to local IP address for each hostname