If your installation is failing due to hosts file issues, follow these steps to resolve the block: Disable Antivirus Interference
While specific "block lists" change, they often target domains like: im.solidworks.com im-ak.solidworks.com dl-ak.solidworks.com 3. Troubleshooting "Blocked" Installations
The Windows Hosts file is a plain-text file that maps hostnames to IP addresses. It acts as a local "phone book" that the operating system consults before reaching out to external Domain Name System (DNS) servers. In the context of a SOLIDWORKS installation, this file can be used to: solidworks host file block install
This capability makes it useful in several technical scenarios related to SOLIDWORKS:
Change the file type dropdown menu from Text Documents (*.txt) to . Select the hosts file and click Open . Step 3: Identify and Remove SOLIDWORKS Blocks If your installation is failing due to hosts
To help pinpoint the exact block, could you share you see during the installation? Knowing whether you are using a standalone or network license would also help me provide more tailored troubleshooting steps. Share public link
: Save the file. Then, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /flushdns to apply the changes immediately. 🛰 Network Licensing Tip In the context of a SOLIDWORKS installation, this
: Uncheck "Prevent any program from modifying the HOSTs file". ZoneAlarm : In Advanced Settings, uncheck "Lock Hosts File".
Type ipconfig /flushdns and press to clear the local DNS cache. Alternative Solutions for Installation Failures
If you are looking for the specific entries to add to your Windows hosts file to prevent SOLIDWORKS from communicating with license validation servers during an installation or startup, you typically use the following lines. Hosts File Entries
In some network-licensed environments, you want to block communication with external servers to prevent license tampering or unauthorized automatic updates. Step-by-Step Guide: SolidWorks Host File Block Install