What appears when the launch fails?
You should see a message stating: “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.” Troubleshooting Secondary Licensing Blocks
Highlight these lines and delete them. Ensure there are no leading # symbols on lines you want the system to read (though in this case, you want the system to reach these servers, so the lines shouldn't exist at all). 3. Save and Flush DNS Go to File > Save in Notepad. Open the Command Prompt (type cmd in the Start menu). solidworks host file block fix
Your computer may still remember the old blocked routing paths even after saving the file. Flushing the Domain Name System (DNS) cache forces Windows to immediately read your newly updated hosts file.
SolidWorks requires a stable connection to its licensing servers to validate your software license. When this connection fails, users often encounter activation errors, server connection timeouts, or licensing loop screens. What appears when the launch fails
The hosts file is a plain text file that maps hostnames to IP addresses. When you type a web address, your PC checks this file before asking the internet's DNS servers.
Sometimes, Dassault updates its servers, or your version of SolidWorks (2022, 2023, 2024) uses a different endpoint. Here is how to find what to block. Your computer may still remember the old blocked
The Hosts file is a powerful tool, but it is a scalpel, not a hammer. Used correctly, it silences validation noise. Used blindly, it breaks your internet resolution. Edit wisely.
In the context of software bypasses, "blocking" entries are added to the hosts file to redirect SolidWorks' communication attempts away from official activation servers.
SolidWorks primarily communicates using ports and 25735 . How to open the ports:
Open the , type cmd , right-click Command Prompt , and select Run as administrator .