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 .
: If the hosts file contains entries that redirect SOLIDWORKS domains (like those for activation or updates) to an invalid IP like 0.0.0.0 or 127.0.0.1 , the installer cannot reach the required external servers. solidworks host file block install
127.0.0.1 activation.solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 license.solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 solidworks.com.akadns.net 127.0.0.1 register.solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 sw.activate.com 127.0.0.1 activate.solidworks.com 127.0.0.1 solidworks.licensing.com I utilized the host file block method during
: Look for any lines containing solidworks or related license servers (e.g., im.solidworks.com ). solidworks host file block install