If SOLIDWORKS is unable to reach its server or you cannot edit your hosts file, check the following common causes and solutions:
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Navigate to the following path: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc Locate the file named . Step 2: Editing the Hosts File to Remove Blocks solidworks host file block fix
Look for lines that contain terms related to SolidWorks, Dassault Systèmes, or FlexNet. Common examples include: 127.0.0.1 ://solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 ://dassaultsystemes.com 0.0.0.0 ://solidworks.com
| Issue | Solution | | :--- | :--- | | | Ensure you run Notepad as an administrator. | | Can't Save Hosts File | Temporarily disable your antivirus to allow file access. | | SW Still Validates License | Double-check for typos in domain names, restart your PC, or flush DNS with ipconfig /flushdns in Command Prompt (Admin). | | Service/Dependency Issues | Clean old FlexNet services using sc delete SolidWorksFlexnetServer . For activation issues, delete files in the C:\ProgramData\FLEXnet folder. | | Errors in License Verification | Check the SolidWorks Flexnet Server service in services.msc . | If SOLIDWORKS is unable to reach its server
SolidWorks primarily communicates using ports and 25735 . How to open the ports:
After editing the hosts file, Windows may still be caching the old, blocked IP addresses. You need to clear this cache. Can’t copy the link right now
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
Sometimes, the Hosts file looks clean, but SolidWorks still fails. Why? Windows has a secondary security layer: .
Restart your computer. SolidWorks should now look at your local machine for validation instead of the internet.
Ensure the background service responsible for checking your software credentials is running properly. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type services.msc and press .