When you install SolidWorks, the installer calls home to check for subscription validity. If your internet is slow or the servers are down, the install hangs. Blocking the servers forces the installer to skip that check instantly.
To avoid encountering further installation roadblocks, implement these operational steps before launching your setup:
I utilized the host file block method during a fresh install of SolidWorks 2024 on a high-security corporate network. The standard installation manager failed repeatedly at the "Initializing" stage due to firewall restrictions blocking callbacks to swdm.solidworks.com and activation.solidworks.com .
Blocking these hosts is often done to bypass "Checking for Updates" delays or for troubleshooting license manager connectivity in private networks. If you are experiencing an "Installation failed" error, you may also need to repair the installation through the Windows Control Panel. Are you trying to resolve a specific error code during the installation process?
: For license manager issues, blocking the host file may not be enough; you might need to create inbound/outbound rules in Windows Defender Firewall for ports 25734 and 25735 . solidworks host file block install
To avoid future installation roadblocks, implement these preventative measures:
If your installation process is restricted by a hosts file block, the SolidWorks Installation Manager will typically exhibit one or more of the following behaviors:
The installer hangs indefinitely at the "Verifying Serial Number" screen.
Add the following lines at the bottom of the file to block SOLIDWORKS activation and check services. Note: Use 127.0.0.1 to redirect the request to your local machine, effectively blocking it. When you install SolidWorks, the installer calls home
: For modern cloud-connected versions, deleting the 3DEXPERIENCELauncher folder in C:\Programdata\DassaultSystemes\ and restarting can resolve stubborn installation hangs. 4. Summary Table of Resolutions Location/File Resolution Blank Install Screen \sldim\lang\english\HTML\frameset.html Right-click Properties -> Unblock Hosts Write Error C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts Disable AV "Lock Hosts" setting; check Read-only status PDM Server Not Found C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts Manually add [IP Address] [Server Name] Activation Blocked Windows Firewall Create Outbound Rule to "Allow connection"
Bypassing server connection failures that halt the installation process. 2. Steps to Block SOLIDWORKS Domains in the Hosts File
To resolve this, you must manually inspect and edit the hosts file to ensure no critical SOLIDWORKS addresses are restricted. 1. Open Notepad as Administrator
After saving the file, you must clear your computer's DNS cache so it recognizes the new rules immediately. Open the (type cmd in the Start menu). If you are experiencing an "Installation failed" error,
When the hosts file blocks SolidWorks, the symptoms usually mimic a total loss of internet connection. Watch out for these specific red flags:
), you prevent your computer from establishing a connection with them.
This capability makes it useful in several technical scenarios related to SOLIDWORKS: