Alternatively, you can deactivate them without deleting them by typing a # and a space at the absolute beginning of the line (e.g., # 127.0.0.1 ://solidworks.com ). Step 4: Add Legitimate License Servers (If Applicable)
is the gold standard for CAD design, but few things are more frustrating than being in the zone, modeling a complex assembly, and suddenly being hit with a License Error (-15, -97, or -5) or a complete crash. Often, the culprit isn't corrupt software or bad hardware—it is your own Windows Hosts File .
The blocking mechanism might have also been written into your inbound/outbound firewall rules. solidworks host file block fix
Manually map the server's IP to its name in the hosts file ( C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts ) to bypass the DNS lookup.
Is this a license or a network-managed SolidNetWork License (SNL) ? Alternatively, you can deactivate them without deleting them
If you are running a local SolidWorks License Server (LMTOOLS) on your own machine (IP 127.0.0.1 ), you might need to redirect the service:
If editing the Hosts file does not immediately resolve the SolidWorks license issue, the block might exist in your security software. Windows Defender Firewall The blocking mechanism might have also been written
Ensure the background service responsible for checking your software credentials is running properly. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type services.msc and press .
At the bottom of the file, add the following lines. Each line follows the pattern: [IP address to redirect to] [domain name to block]
If SolidWorks fails to activate with a message about firewall issues, server unavailability, or "invalid license," it is likely a blocked connection.