To block specific server connections or resolve DNS issues in SOLIDWORKS PDM , you must modify the Windows Local Hosts File using an entry that maps an IP address to a server name. Proper Text Entry Format
Q: My antivirus deleted my hosts file. Is that bad?
A: Windows automatically regenerates a default hosts file. If your AV deleted it, it found malicious entries. Run a full scan immediately.
Are you trying to resolve a specific license error? If you let me know the exact error code or if you're trying to set up a new server, I can give you the specific steps for your version of SolidWorks. Solidworks Host File Block
Some advanced block lists also redirect to 0.0.0.0 (non-routable meta-address) or a non-existent local IP like 192.168.255.255 to cause immediate connection refusal.
Update Issues: The SolidWorks Installation Manager will fail to check for updates or download required files. To block specific server connections or resolve DNS
Q: Can Dassault see that I blocked them in my hosts file? A: Yes. If your hosts file blocks their server, your software keeps reporting "Connection Error 500." In telemetry logs, Dassault sees "Heartbeat missed" counts. They won't see your hosts file, but they will see that your license never checks in.
The ProblemImagine a design firm, "Apex Engineering," just moved their SolidWorks licenses to a brand-new cloud server. However, five of their veteran engineers kept getting "License Server Not Found" errors. Even though the new settings were correct, their workstations kept trying to call "home" to an old, decommissioned server IP address that no longer existed. Blocking unauthorized access to design data : Companies
Ultimately, the best way to "block" SolidWorks is to pay for it. You get updates, support, cloud storage, and most importantly: peace of mind that your next design won't crash because a text file got corrupted at 2 AM.