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Solidworks Host File Block Install Link -

SOLIDWORKS installation failures or hangs, particularly during activation, can often be resolved by removing blocks for solidworks.com domains within the Windows "hosts" file [1]. Users should open Notepad as an administrator, locate the file at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc, remove lines referencing solidworks.com, and save the file to restore connectivity [1].

Blocking SolidWorks Installation using Host File

The hosts file is a system file that maps hostnames to IP addresses. It is used by the operating system to resolve hostnames to IP addresses, allowing users to access websites and other network resources. However, the hosts file can also be used to block access to specific websites or servers, including those used by software installation processes.

In the case of SolidWorks, a popular computer-aided design (CAD) software, the installation process may be blocked by modifying the hosts file. This can be useful in environments where SolidWorks is not allowed to be installed or used, such as in a company with strict software usage policies.

How to block SolidWorks installation using the hosts file

To block the SolidWorks installation using the hosts file, follow these steps:

  1. Locate the hosts file: The hosts file is usually located in the following directory: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts on Windows.
  2. Open the hosts file: Open the hosts file with a text editor, such as Notepad, and add the following line at the end of the file: 127.0.0.1 solidsystems.com (or any other SolidWorks-related domain).
  3. Save the changes: Save the changes to the hosts file.

What happens when you block SolidWorks installation

When you modify the hosts file to block SolidWorks installation, the following occurs:

Workarounds and limitations

While blocking SolidWorks installation using the hosts file can be effective, there are some workarounds and limitations to consider:

In conclusion, modifying the hosts file can be a simple and effective way to block SolidWorks installation on a computer or network. However, it is essential to consider the potential workarounds and limitations to ensure that the desired level of control is achieved.

If you're running into issues where a SOLIDWORKS installation is being blocked by host file entries—often due to leftovers from previous installations or network licensing conflicts—here is how to identify and clear those blocks. 🚩 Why this happens

SOLIDWORKS relies on specific host communication for license validation and installation data. If your Windows hosts file has entries pointing SOLIDWORKS-related domains to 127.0.0.1 or 0.0.0.0, the Installation Manager will fail to connect. 🛠 How to fix it (Host File Cleanup) solidworks host file block install

Open Notepad as Administrator: Search for Notepad in your Start menu, right-click it, and select Run as Administrator.

Open the Hosts file: Go to File > Open and navigate to:C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\(Change the file type dropdown from "Text Documents" to "All Files" to see the hosts file).

Identify Blocks: Look for any lines containing solidworks or related license servers (e.g., im.solidworks.com).

Remove or Comment: Delete those lines, or add a # at the start of the line to disable the block.

Save and Flush DNS: Save the file. Then, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /flushdns to apply the changes immediately. 🛰 Network Licensing Tip

If you are using a SolidNetWork License (SNL), ensure your host file isn't accidentally blocking the server communication ports. The default ports are 25734 and 25735. If the installation still fails, you may need to add an exception for these in your Firewall settings rather than the hosts file. 🔄 What if it's still blocked? If the host file is clean but the install won't budge:

Repair the Installation: Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features, select SOLIDWORKS, and click Change > Repair your installation.

Check OS Compatibility: Ensure you aren't trying to install a version (like SOLIDWORKS 2026) on an unsupported OS like Windows 10, as support for that combination ended in late 2025.

Are you getting a specific error code (like 1603 or a connection timeout) during the installation? Windows 10: Block ANY Website by Editing The Hosts File

The phrase "SolidWorks host file block install" typically refers to two distinct technical scenarios: using the Windows hosts file to resolve server connection issues during a legitimate networked installation (such as PDM or SolidNetWork License Manager), or using it to prevent the software from "phoning home" to activation servers. 1. Using the Hosts File for Legitimate Installations

When installing SolidWorks in a professional environment, the client machine must often communicate with a license or PDM server. If your local network's DNS cannot resolve the server's name to its IP address, the installation or software launch may fail. How to Configure the Hosts File for Server Access:

Locate the File: Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\. Locate the hosts file : The hosts file

Run as Administrator: You must open Notepad as an Administrator to save changes to this file.

Add Server Entries: Underneath any existing text, add a new line with the server's IP address, a tab or space, and then the server name (e.g., 192.168.1.100 MyPDMSever).

Refresh DNS: Open a Command Prompt and type ipconfig /flushdns to ensure Windows recognizes the manual override. 2. Blocking Connections via the Hosts File

Some users attempt to block SolidWorks from reaching its official activation or update servers by redirecting those domain names to an invalid IP address, such as 127.0.0.1 (localhost) or 0.0.0.0. This is sometimes used in unofficial installation guides to prevent the software from verifying license keys against Dassault Systèmes' databases.

Commonly Blocked Domains (Proceed with Caution):While specific "block lists" change, they often target domains like: im.solidworks.com im-ak.solidworks.com dl-ak.solidworks.com 3. Troubleshooting "Blocked" Installations

If your legitimate installation is being blocked, it may not be the hosts file at all. Common culprits include: CurrentWare How to Block Websites Using the Hosts File on Windows 10/11

Blog Post: How to Fix SolidWorks Installation Blocks via the Hosts File

Installing SolidWorks should be straightforward, but sometimes security settings or network glitches can bring your progress to a halt. One common culprit is your computer’s hosts file, which may be blocking the installer from reaching critical activation servers or local network repositories. Why the Hosts File Matters

The Windows hosts file acts like a local phonebook, mapping hostnames to IP addresses before your computer even checks the internet. If this file contains incorrect entries or is locked by security software, the SolidWorks Installation Manager may fail to connect, leading to blank screens or "Installation Failed" errors. Step-by-Step: How to Unblock Your Install

If you suspect your hosts file is causing issues, follow these steps to clean it up or add necessary workarounds:

Open Notepad as Administrator: Search for Notepad in your Start menu, right-click it, and select Run as Administrator.

Navigate to the File: In Notepad, go to File > Open. Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\. Make sure to change the file type filter from "Text Documents" to "All Files" to see the hosts file. What happens when you block SolidWorks installation When

Check for Blocks: Look for any lines that don't start with a #. Specifically, look for entries related to "SolidWorks" or "Dassault" that might be redirecting traffic to 127.0.0.1 (localhost), which effectively blocks the connection.

Add a Server Workaround (Optional): If you are installing from a network license or PDM server and the DNS is failing, add a new line at the bottom: [Server IP Address] [TAB] [Server Name].

Save and Flush DNS: Save your changes in Notepad. Then, open a Command Prompt and type ipconfig /flushdns to ensure Windows recognizes the updates immediately. Still Blocked?

If you can’t even edit the file, your antivirus (like SentinelOne or Webroot) might be locking it. Temporarily disable your security software or check for "Host File Protection" settings to allow the modification.

If your Installation Manager still shows a blank screen even after checking the hosts file, try this quick fix for blocked HTML files:

I understand you're looking for information about modifying the hosts file to block SolidWorks from contacting license servers — typically done to prevent online license validation after installation.

However, I must first clarify:

That said, for legitimate cases like:

…you can block specific domains by editing the hosts file.

Issue 2: SolidWorks Installation Fails with “Internet Connection Required”

Cause: Newer versions of SolidWorks (2022 onward) have hard-coded fallbacks that detect hosts file redirection and refuse to proceed.
Solution: You must either:

The SolidWorks Licensing Model

SolidWorks uses a licensing daemon (usually SW_D or SolidWorks_Flexnet_Server). Depending on your license type:

Here is the catch: Even with a valid license, SolidWorks continuously attempts to reach specific telemetry and validation server addresses. If the software fails to validate a license (due to a firewall, DNS error, or server outage), it may revert to "Viewer Mode" or shut down completely after 30 days.

Step 2: Open the Hosts File for Editing