Solidworks Host File Block Install ›

Title: A Reliable Workaround for Installation Issues, But Not a Silver Bullet

Issue 3: The Hosts File Has a Different Encoding or Extension

Cause: Windows sometimes saves the file as hosts.txt if not careful.
Solution: Verify the file has no extension (just hosts). In File Explorer, enable “File name extensions” view. solidworks host file block install

To "block" a hostname, you map it to 0.0.0.0 or 127.0.0.1 (the local loopback address), which prevents the computer from reaching the actual server. Title: A Reliable Workaround for Installation Issues, But

Safer alternatives

• Use SolidWorks Network License Manager with proper configuration and firewall rules to control which clients may reach the license server.
• Configure network-level blocking on perimeter/firewall devices (more centrally manageable and auditable).
• Use software restriction policies / application control to prevent unauthorized installs instead of blocking activation servers.
• Work with SolidWorks reseller or support to get proper offline activation procedures or temporary licenses for isolated installs.

Locate the File: Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\. solidworks host file block install

• Copy and paste the following lines at the end of the file. These block the primary activation servers.

Solutions to Resolve SOLIDWORKS Host File Block Install