Solidworks Host File Block Fix
This method is typically used to prevent SolidWorks from "phoning home" to validate a license. Please note: This guide is for educational purposes. Using this fix with an unlicensed, cracked, or unauthorized version of SolidWorks is a violation of the Dassault Systèmes license agreement.
Engineers often modify the Windows hosts file as a temporary fix when a workstation cannot communicate with the SOLIDWORKS PDM or License Manager server. solidworks host file block fix
5) Save and flush DNS
- Save the hosts file (File → Save).
- Open Command Prompt as administrator and run: ipconfig /flushdns
- Restart the machine (recommended) or restart the SolidWorks License Service.
PDM connectivity tests fail when trying to reach the Archive or Database server. Step-by-Step Instructions Open Notepad as Administrator Click the Start menu and type Notepad. Right-click Notepad and select Run as Administrator. Navigate to the Hosts File In Notepad, go to File > Open. This method is typically used to prevent SolidWorks
Here is the Solid Content to fix or implement the block. Save the hosts file (File → Save)
1) Symptoms this will fix
- License activation fails with errors mentioning “license server”, “validation”, “timeout”, or “cannot reach server”.
- SolidWorks shows “unable to connect to SOLIDWORKS License Manager” or similar.
- Frequent unexpected offline mode or license errors after updates.
- Third-party licensing/online verification websites blocked when opened on the machine.
The Backfire: When Legitimate Users Get Caught
Here is the irony. In 2020 and beyond, Dassault Systèmes (SolidWorks' parent company) updated their licensing kernel. They introduced a "Self-Healing" mechanism. When SolidWorks starts, it now: