Solidworks Host File Block Fix -

Push a GPO that:

The "host file block fix" is a common workaround used in SOLIDWORKS PDM to resolve connectivity issues when a client machine cannot communicate with the server due to DNS resolution failures. This process involves manually mapping the server's IP address to its name in the Windows hosts file to bypass the network's DNS. When to Use This Fix You should apply this fix if you encounter errors such as: "Ping request could not find host".

"Could not log in to the database" specifically due to server name resolution issues.

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.

Navigate to the following path: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\. solidworks host file block fix

Crucial Step: In the bottom-right corner of the open dialog, change the file type filter from Text Documents (*.txt) to All Files (.) so the hosts file becomes visible. Edit the File Scroll to the bottom of the file.

On a new line (underneath any existing lines), enter the IP address of your PDM server, followed by a Tab space, and then the Server Name. Example: 192.168.1.100 MyPDMSeverName

If your Archive and Database servers are on the same machine, you only need one entry. Save and Flush DNS Select File > Save and close Notepad. Open the Command Prompt (type cmd in the Start menu).

Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter to ensure Windows recognizes the new manual mapping immediately. Push a GPO that: The "host file block

If you use SolidWorks PDM (Product Data Management), do not block solidworks.com. PDM Standard uses a web-based license validation. Blocking the Hosts file will break file check-in/check-out.

Alternative Fix for PDM Users: Instead of editing the Hosts file, whitelist the following URLs in your corporate firewall:

With this guide, you can successfully block SolidWorks from reaching its activation servers while maintaining full functionality of the installed software.

"SolidWorks cannot connect to the license server. The server may be down or you are not connected to the network." If you use SolidWorks PDM (Product Data Management),

This is the standard method. You will need Administrator privileges.

Using a cracked license or bypassing activation violates Dassault’s End User License Agreement (EULA). If you are a business, a single audit (which Dassault actively performs) can result in fines of up to 10x the retail license cost. For individuals, you risk a permanent ban from the ecosystem.

The hosts file is a plain text file that maps hostnames to IP addresses. When you type a web address, your PC checks this file before asking the internet's DNS servers.

How it relates to SolidWorks: SolidWorks background processes (e.g., sldworks_fs.exe, SWLicensingService) periodically check in with Dassault Systèmes’ activation servers. By editing the hosts file, you redirect those server names to a dead end (usually 127.0.0.1 – your own computer).