is a common troubleshooting step when SOLIDWORKS PDM or License Manager cannot connect to a server due to DNS or name-resolution failures. This workaround directs your computer to the correct server IP address by bypassing standard network lookups. 1. Identify Connection Requirements Before editing, ensure you have the server’s IP address exact server name used by your organization. Standard Ports: Ensure your firewall allows communication through ports (License Manager) and (Vendor Daemon). 2. Access the Hosts File with Administrative Rights Windows protects the hosts file; you must use Administrator privileges to save any changes. Right-click Notepad and select Run as Administrator In Notepad, go to File > Open Navigate to: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\ Change the file filter from "Text Documents (*.txt)" to to see the 3. Apply the Fix
: Open a Command Prompt and type ipconfig /flushdns to ensure the system recognizes the new manual entries immediately. Step 4: Verify the Fix
If you are a SolidWorks user, you may have encountered frustrating licensing errors that prevent you from starting the software, particularly in corporate environments or when dealing with node-locked licenses. One of the most effective, yet technical, solutions for troubleshooting these issues is the . solidworks host file block fix
Windows stores recent DNS lookups in a temporary cache. To ensure your computer immediately recognizes the changes you just made to the Hosts file, you need to clear this cache.
may "lock" the hosts file. Disable "Lock Hosts File" in your antivirus advanced settings before editing. Read-Only Attribute: Right-click the file, select Properties , and ensure is unchecked. File Extensions: Ensure the file is named exactly extension. is a common troubleshooting step when SOLIDWORKS PDM
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Now that the block is removed, try activating SolidWorks again. Open . Navigate to Help > Licenses > Activate . Try the activation process again. Troubleshooting: What if it's not the Hosts File? Access the Hosts File with Administrative Rights Windows
Paste the following path into the address bar at the top of the window and press Enter: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
Disclaimer: This guide is intended for resolving issues on legally licensed installations of SolidWorks. Modifying the hosts file to bypass licensing mechanisms is against the terms of service.
Highlight all lines referencing SolidWorks server addresses. Press to remove them completely. Step 4: Save and Close Click File and select Save (or press Ctrl + S ). Close Notepad. Step 5: Flush Your DNS Cache
: At the bottom of the file (on a new line), type the server's IP address, press Tab , and then type the server's name. Example: 192.168.1.100 MyLicenseServer