Sometimes, even after deleting the lines, Windows caches the bad route.
Procedure:
The user edits the Windows hosts file (located at C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts) to manually map the license server's IP address to its hostname. solidworks host file block fix
The logic: Instead of asking the internet or the DNS server "Where is the license server?", SolidWorks checks the host file first. If it finds a match, it goes directly to that IP address. This bypasses DNS lookup errors and broadcast failures. Sometimes, even after deleting the lines, Windows caches
Beyond the fact that it simply doesn't work for modern versions (2018+), attempting this poses serious threats: If it finds a match, it goes directly to that IP address
Before you rush to edit system files, ensure you actually have the Hosts file block issue. Many users misdiagnose a simple firewall rule or expired subscription.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Step 2: Type ping licensing.solidworks.com
Step 3: Look at the result.