Before you rush to edit system files, ensure you actually have the Hosts file block issue. Many users misdiagnose a simple firewall rule or expired subscription.
Are you using a or a network license ? Which version year of SolidWorks are you currently running?
I can provide targeted troubleshooting steps based on your configuration. Share public link
: Programs like SentinelOne, ZoneAlarm, and Webroot are known to block changes to the hosts file. Look for settings like "Lock Hosts File" or "Prevent modification of HOSTS file" and temporarily disable them.
Open the and navigate to Windows Defender Firewall . solidworks host file block fix
How to Fix SolidWorks License Errors Using the Hosts File Block Method
Scroll down and locate or FlexNet Licensing Service . Right-click the service and select Properties . Set the Startup type to Automatic . If the service status says stopped, click the Start button. Click Apply and OK . Verify Internet Options and Firewalls
Scroll to the bottom of the file and add a new line with the server's IP address, followed by a Tab or space, and then the server name. Example: 192.168.1.100 YOUR_SERVER_NAME .
In Notepad, go to and browse to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc . Change the file type filter to All Files ( . ) . Open the hosts file. Before you rush to edit system files, ensure
By default, Notepad only looks for text files ( .txt ), so the folder will appear empty. In the bottom right corner of the Open dialog box, click the dropdown menu that says and change it to All Files ( . ) .
This method addresses specific communication "blocks" where the software cannot find the server despite being on the same network: DNS Failures:
Instead of editing the Hosts file, whitelist the following URLs in your corporate firewall:
Verify that inbound and outbound ports 25734 and 25735 are open for the SolidNetWork License Manager. Which version year of SolidWorks are you currently running
How to Fix SolidWorks Licensing Errors Using the Hosts File Block
The Windows hosts file is a plain text file that maps hostnames to IP addresses. It acts like a local phone book for your computer, translating web addresses before your system queries the broader internet. Why SolidWorks Fails
You cannot edit the hosts file without administrative privileges. Locate the file named hosts . Right-click on hosts and select > Notepad .
The Windows hosts file acts as a local address book for your computer. Before your PC looks up a website or server on the broader internet, it checks this text file to see if a specific IP address is mapped to a domain name. Why Blocks Occur
