How to Configure the Local HOSTS file to Resolve Server Name
The decision to block SolidWorks license servers is not a harmless technical tweak; it is a violation of the End-User License Agreement (EULA) with serious legal consequences.
As noted in Reddit discussions, antivirus software can lock this file.
SolidWorks is a powerful computer-aided design (CAD) software used by engineers and designers to create, simulate, and analyze 2D and 3D models. However, some users may encounter a frustrating issue known as the "SolidWorks Host File Block" error. This error can prevent users from accessing certain features, opening files, or even launching the software. In this article, we will explore the causes of the SolidWorks Host File Block issue, its symptoms, and most importantly, provide step-by-step solutions to resolve it. Solidworks Host File Block
Windows protects the hosts file. You cannot save changes without admin rights.
This is the most severe risk. Using any software without a valid license is a direct violation of the End-User License Agreement (EULA) and constitutes software piracy. There are many documented cases of companies receiving legal threats and being sued by Dassault Systèmes for using unlicensed copies of SOLIDWORKS.
By default, Notepad only looks for text files ( *.txt ). In the bottom right corner of the Open dialog box, change the dropdown menu from to All Files ( . ) . How to Configure the Local HOSTS file to
If you are unable to save the changes or the fix doesn't work, consider these common "blocks":
Paste the following path into the address bar at the top: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc Press .
You receive messages stating, "Could not obtain a license for SolidWorks. The server is not responding." However, some users may encounter a frustrating issue
| Domain to Block | Purpose | | :--- | :--- | | 127.0.0.1 im.solidworks.com | License validation and instant messaging services. This is one of the most commonly cited domains to block. | | 127.0.0.1 crashdiag.solidworks.com | Crash diagnostic reporting. Blocking this prevents the software from sending error and crash reports to Dassault Systèmes. | | 127.0.0.1 performance.solidworks.com | Performance data collection. This domain is associated with gathering performance analytics. | | 127.0.0.1 help.solidworks.com | The main online help and support portal. | | 127.0.0.1 www.solidworks.com | The main SOLIDWORKS website. |
Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and the specific domains that need to be blocked can change as Dassault Systèmes updates their systems.
The default file path in Windows is: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts