Standard users cannot save changes to system files. You must right-click in the Start menu and select Run as Administrator . 2. Locate the Hosts File
The "SOLIDWORKS host file block install" issue typically occurs when the Windows prevents the SOLIDWORKS Installation Manager from communicating with activation or download servers. This block can manifest as a blank installation screen , connection errors, or activation failures. Understanding the Role of the Hosts File
Editing a Hosts File on Windows, Linux, and macOS | MasterDC solidworks host file block install
: You must change the file type filter in the bottom-right corner of the open dialog from "Text Documents ( .txt)" to **"All Files ( .*)"** to see the file named simply "hosts". 3. Edit and Clean the File
After saving the hosts file, open the as administrator and type: ipconfig /flushdns This ensures Windows immediately recognizes the changes you made. Standard users cannot save changes to system files
Blocking websites – If you want to block access to a particular website, add the hostname to a hosts file with an IP address of 0. www.masterdc.com
: If you are using SOLIDWORKS PDM and cannot connect to your server, you may actually need to add an entry to help the system find it. On a new line, type the [Server IP] followed by a [Server Name] . 4. Flush the DNS Cache Locate the Hosts File The "SOLIDWORKS host file
The Windows hosts file is a local plain-text file that maps hostnames to IP addresses, bypassing the standard DNS.
: If a line begins with an IP followed by a SOLIDWORKS-related URL, delete that line or add a # at the start of it to "comment it out".
: Some antivirus programs (e.g., SentinelOne or ZoneAlarm) may lock or modify the hosts file to prevent unauthorized communication, inadvertently blocking legitimate SOLIDWORKS traffic. How to Fix a SOLIDWORKS Host File Block