Solidworks Host File Block Direct
: This fix works best if your server has a static IP. If the server's IP changes, you will need to update this file again.
While the technical barrier is low, the associated risks are incredibly high. Relying on the Hosts file to block license validation is a temporary and fundamentally insecure method for managing software licenses.
If you use a network license, you might see FlexNet license finder prompts asking for a valid server location because the local machine cannot resolve the network path. How to Check and Edit Your Hosts File
Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and the specific domains that need to be blocked can change as Dassault Systèmes updates their systems. Solidworks Host File Block
What or behavior occurs when SolidWorks tries to connect? Are you on a corporate network with a strict firewall?
As noted in Reddit discussions, antivirus software can lock this file.
Dassault Systèmes has evolved. Modern versions of SolidWorks (2020 onwards) use: : This fix works best if your server has a static IP
To resolve licensing connection issues caused by host blocks, you must manually inspect and edit the Windows hosts file using administrative privileges. Step 1: Open Notepad as an Administrator Click the Windows menu. Type Notepad into the search bar.
Given the significant risks, using a legitimate copy of SolidWorks or a suitable alternative is the only prudent course of action. Fortunately, there are many affordable and even free options available.
Manually mapping host files, if not done precisely, can cause connectivity issues for other software or lead to confusion if the server IP changes in the future. GoEngineer Relying on the Hosts file to block license
: High latency in DNS resolution can cause massive slowdowns when opening or saving files in PDM. Manually mapping the server IP to its name in the hosts file bypasses this delay.
Error messages stating "Could not obtain a license" or "Activation server unavailable."
When SolidWorks domains are blocked in your local system files, you will generally experience one or more of the following technical disruptions:
