Because the hosts file is a system file, standard user permissions will not allow you to save changes to it. Click the Windows menu. Type Notepad into the search bar. Right-click on Notepad in the search results. Select Run as administrator . Click Yes if the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears. Step 2: Locate the Hosts File In Notepad, click File in the top menu and select Open .
When you start SolidWorks, it checks for three things:
To fix the SOLIDWORKS host file block issue, follow these steps:
Click if a User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears asking for permission. Step 2: Navigate to the Hosts File Directory solidworks host file block fix
Below is the comprehensive guide to diagnostic procedures, file permission management, and step-by-step resolution scripts. Why SolidWorks Experiences Host Block Errors
Ensure the background service responsible for checking your software credentials is running properly. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type services.msc and press .
Manually map the server's IP to its name in the hosts file ( C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts ) to bypass the DNS lookup. Because the hosts file is a system file,
The Hosts file is a powerful tool, but it is a scalpel, not a hammer. Used correctly, it silences validation noise. Used blindly, it breaks your internet resolution. Edit wisely.
Don't just fix the problem; ensure it never returns.
If your SolidWorks software suddenly refuses to launch or displays activation errors, a misconfigured Windows hosts file might be the culprit. SolidWorks relies on stable communication with licensing servers to validate your software. When this communication breaks down—often due to unintended blocks or leftover configurations from network migrations—the software fails to open. Right-click on Notepad in the search results
You did Method 1. You restarted. An hour later, the block is back. Why?
Open the menu, type cmd , right-click Command Prompt , and select Run as administrator .
Right-click the Windows button and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin) .
This stops the software from realizing it might be running on a floating license that expired, or prevents it from turning off features because it cannot reach the primary license server.
When you launch SolidWorks, check out a license, or attempt to activate the software, the system pings specific Dassault Systèmes validation servers. These primary domains include: ://solidworks.com (Installation Manager and licensing) ://solidworks.com (Activation wizard validation) ://solidworks.com (Asset registration) What is a Hosts File Block?