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
If the validation fails (due to a firewall or offline status), the software triggers a . The "fix" hackers used is now the cause of legitimate corporate failures . solidworks host file block fix
| | Detail | |----------------|-------------| | Admin Rights | You must be an administrator on your Windows PC. | | Antivirus | Disable real-time protection temporarily (Windows Defender, McAfee, Norton often block host file edits). | | UAC | Set User Account Control to a lower level or right-click Notepad → Run as Admin. | is a common troubleshooting step when SOLIDWORKS PDM
If the above methods don't resolve the issue, try the following: Access the Hosts File with Administrative Rights Windows
If your SOLIDWORKS PDM client cannot find the server, you can bypass DNS issues by mapping the server’s IP address to its name manually. GoEngineer Locate the File : Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc Open as Administrator Search for in the Start Menu. Right-click it and select Run as Administrator In Notepad, go to File > Open , change the file type to All Files ( , and select Add the Mapping
To fix SolidWorks licensing issues related to host file blocks, you typically need to remove specific entries that prevent the software from communicating with its license server. This often occurs when the host file has been modified to block Adobe or SolidWorks activation domains.