Host File Block Fix [work]: Solidworks

: Antivirus software (like Webroot or SentinelOne) actively blocking any program from modifying the hosts file. Step-by-Step Fix: Modifying the Hosts File

"Cannot connect to license server system. The license server has been modified."

The "hosts file block" is a common fix used when SolidWorks cannot connect to its license server (Error -15, 10, 10061) or when DNS issues prevent the software from "finding" your workstation or server. 🛠️ The Direct Fix: Modifying the Hosts File

SOLIDWORKS "hosts file block" typically refers to an error where the installer or software cannot write to the Windows hosts file, often due to aggressive antivirus settings or a read-only attribute. This is also a common workaround used to resolve SOLIDWORKS PDM solidworks host file block fix

Go to a workstation that has a working connection, or contact your CAD administrator. Open ( cmd ).

Because the hosts file is a protected system file, you cannot save changes to it using a standard text editor session. Click the menu or press the Windows Key . Type Notepad into the search bar.

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 ( . ) . : Antivirus software (like Webroot or SentinelOne) actively

Double-click the file named (it will not have a file extension). Step 3: Identify and Remove SolidWorks Blocks

If the file remains inaccessible even after disabling security blocks: Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc . Right-click the file and select Properties .

: Save the file. To ensure the changes take effect immediately, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /flushdns then press Enter. Common Troubleshooting Blocks 🛠️ The Direct Fix: Modifying the Hosts File

To fix PDM connectivity or manually bypass DNS lookups for a SOLIDWORKS server: Open Notepad as Administrator

Ensure the path is entered correctly using the format: 25734@your-server-name or 25734@your.server.ip.address . 3. Antivirus Whitelisting

Paste the path C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc into the address bar.