While understanding the mechanics of how your operating system works is valuable, it's also important to acknowledge the legal context. Deliberately blocking license verification for the purpose of using software without a valid, purchased license is software piracy.
But what does this actually mean? Is it about piracy? (Spoiler: No.) And how does editing a simple text file on your Windows operating system solve complex licensing errors?
During installation, SolidWorks requires an active internet connection to verify your standalone serial number or connect to a SolidWorks Network License (SNL) Manager. It reaches out to secure validation URLs (such as ://solidworks.com ). How Blocks Occur solidworks host file block install
Older versions of SolidWorks (2015–2019) have known bugs where they lose license validation after a Windows Update. Blocking the host files prevents Windows from forcing a re-validation that will fail.
You accidentally blocked *.solidworks.com globally, but some unrelated sites use subdomains of solidworks.com (e.g., forum.solidworks.com). Fix: Only block the specific lic. and activation. subdomains listed above. Do not block www.solidworks.com if you want to use their knowledge base. While understanding the mechanics of how your operating
To unblock your SolidWorks installation, you must audit the Windows hosts file and remove any lines targeting SolidWorks or Dassault Systèmes domains. Step 1: Open Notepad as an Administrator
127.0.0.1 crashdump.solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 usage.solidworks.com Is it about piracy
Change the file type dropdown (bottom right) from "Text Documents ( .txt)" to **"All Files ( .*)"**. Select the file and click Open . 4. Edit and Block SOLIDWORKS Sites