SOLIDWORKS PDM – Create Local Host File Workaround as Temporary Solution

When to Create Local Host File Workarounds

It’s important to understand Local Host File workarounds for SOLIDWORKS PDM use are intended to serve as temporary fixes. The purpose of this document is to provide instructions for such a workaround until your network Domain Name Server (DNS) issues are resolved. Long term use of Local Host Files to facilitate network connections are known to cause connection problems in PDM. The IP Address used in the Local Host File entry is reliant upon static configuration. If IP Addresses are configured dynamically, a random IP Address will likely be assigned which will bypass the workaround.

Your DNS translates domain names to IP Addresses like goengineer.com to 204.246.130.40. The same applies to servers with DNS translating their name to the IP Address. To override this function, you can edit a Local Host File to map specific domain/server names to the desired IP Address. This can be used to also block these connections as well, so it’s important to pay close attention to detail. If it’s been determined that your DNS is having trouble translating host names and IP Addresses, follow the Process instructions.

Process

• Click the Start button
• Type: notepad
• Right-click
• Select Run as administrator

• Click File
• Open

Navigate:

• C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\
  • If blank, change the file type from Text Documents to All Files as shown in the picture below
• \hosts (double click to open)

Make necessary adjustments/entries in the host file to allow server IP Addresses. On a new line, enter the IP Address followed by the server name like in the picture below.

Items of Note:

• Number signs (#) entered to the far left disable the command line; often used to leave notes
• You may also use the same IP Address for multiple host names, such as:
  • 0.0.1 Archive_Server SQL_Server

• Click File
• Save
• Close the window