Solidworks Host File Block Review

The hosts file is a plain-text system file used by your operating system to map domain names to specific IP addresses. Before your computer queries a DNS server to resolve a domain name, it checks the hosts file first. By adding a line like 127.0.0.1 im.solidworks.com , you are instructing your operating system to redirect that domain back to your own computer (a local IP address). Effectively, this blocks any connection to that domain because the software cannot find the actual remote server. This is why editing the hosts file can override normal DNS resolution and, for example, stop SolidWorks from verifying its license with an activation server.

In the context of SolidWorks, blocks are usually applied to official DS (Dassault Systèmes) activation, validation, and licensing domains. Common Symptoms of a Host File Block

When the Windows hosts file contains entries that redirect or block SolidWorks activation and verification servers, users encounter persistent licensing errors, failure to connect to the SolidWorks Installation Manager, or sudden software deactivations.

For the changes to take effect immediately, clear your operating system's temporary network memory: Open the as an administrator. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter . Potential Risks and Complications Solidworks Host File Block

Right-click it and select (this is critical for saving changes). Navigate to the Hosts File : In Notepad, go to File > Open . Browse to: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\ .

Some advanced block lists also redirect to 0.0.0.0 (non-routable meta-address) or a non-existent local IP like 192.168.255.255 to cause immediate connection refusal.

The Windows hosts file is a plain text file used by the operating system to map hostnames (like ://solidworks.com ) to IP addresses. It is a local DNS mapping that takes precedence over external DNS servers. The hosts file is a plain-text system file

This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later.

(no extension).

(Note: These are examples; specific blocked domains may vary depending on the licensing method used). 4. Save and Exit Click File > Save (or Ctrl+S). Close Notepad. 5. Clear DNS Cache Effectively, this blocks any connection to that domain

There are two primary reasons why SolidWorks domain blocks appear in a local hosts file: 1. Security Software and Firewall Automation

Ensure your corporate firewall explicitly permits bidirectional traffic to standard activation endpoints, preventing automated security systems from accidentally auto-blocking SolidWorks traffic.