To help find the exact cause of your installation issue, let me know: What is showing on your screen?
This technical guide explains how the Windows Hosts file affects SolidWorks, why it blocks installations, and how to safely reset it to restore full functionality. Understanding the Hosts File and SolidWorks Activation
While the list above covers the basics, a more comprehensive block list can help ensure software cannot phone home. Below is a reference list of domains that are commonly targeted.
SolidWorks installation errors often trace back to a modified Windows hosts file. System administrators or security software frequently block specific domains to manage network traffic or software validation. When these blocks intersect with SolidWorks activation servers, the installer fails. solidworks host file block install
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) not because of the hosts file, but because Windows has blocked the downloaded installation files. Unblock Zip/Exe : Right-click the downloaded SOLIDWORKS zip or Properties , and click the button at the bottom. Firewall Exceptions
Mastering the SolidWorks Host File Block: A Troubleshooting and Installation Guide To help find the exact cause of your
: For modern cloud-connected versions, deleting the 3DEXPERIENCELauncher folder in C:\Programdata\DassaultSystemes\ and restarting can resolve stubborn installation hangs. 4. Summary Table of Resolutions Location/File Resolution Blank Install Screen \sldim\lang\english\HTML\frameset.html Right-click Properties -> Unblock Hosts Write Error C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts Disable AV "Lock Hosts" setting; check Read-only status PDM Server Not Found C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts Manually add [IP Address] [Server Name] Activation Blocked Windows Firewall Create Outbound Rule to "Allow connection"
# SOLIDWORKS Activation Block 127.0.0.1 ://solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 ://solidworks.com.br 127.0.0.1 activate.solidworks.es 127.0.0.1 activate.solidworks.fr 127.0.0.1 activate.solidworks.de 127.0.0.1 activate.solidworks.it 127.0.0.1 activate.solidworks.jp 127.0.0.1 activate.solidworks.kr 127.0.0.1 activate.solidworks.tw 127.0.0.1 solidworks.com Use code with caution. 4. Save and Exit Go to . Close Notepad. 5. Flush DNS Cache
Right-click on in the results and select Run as administrator . 3. Open the Hosts File In Notepad, go to File > Open . Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\ . Below is a reference list of domains that
Preventing the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager from attempting to reach online activation servers.
Paste the following path into the address bar at the top of the Open dialog box and press : C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
Click > Save (or press Ctrl + S ). If Windows asks you to save it as a new text document, Notepad was not launched with true administrator permissions. Close Notepad.
Select the file named (it will not have a file extension) and click Open . Step 3: Identify and Remove SolidWorks Blocks