: 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"
The hosts file acts as a local "address book" that Windows checks before asking a DNS server. Open Notepad as Administrator : Search for , right-click it, and select Run as Administrator Open the File : In Notepad, go to File > Open . Navigate to the path: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\ solidworks host file block install
127.0.0.1 license.solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 sw.install.solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 activation.solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 register.solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 log.solidworks.com Open Notepad as Administrator : Search for ,
127.0.0.1 crashdump.solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 usage.solidworks.com : For modern cloud-connected versions
Save the file ( Ctrl+S ).
The hosts file acts as a local DNS resolver. By redirecting SolidWorks-specific domain names to a non-routable address (like 127.0.0.1 or 0.0.0.0 ), you effectively "block" the software from reaching its activation and validation servers.