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HOW TO - Edit Your Windows Host File

Authored by Caleb Scharf November 12th, 2022 6922 views 1 likes KB1095134

Description

When a computer can communicate with the license server via IP address, but not via hostname/computer name, this indicates a problem with your DNS server configuration (we commonly see VPN's having this problem). Resolving the root cause of problematic DNS resolution is the recommended solution, as other users are likely equally affected. However, this may not always be feasible and manually editing the local Windows "HOST" file is one way to work around this.

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Info

You should always specify your Ansys License server via hostname/computer name in the Ansys Client license settings utility. While an IP address can be used here, some but NOT all Ansys software features will work when specifying an IP.

Solution

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Warning

This solution is a work-around and only solves the problem for the local computer and not for other computers on the network. We recommend resolving the DNS resolution problem whenever possible.

Windows Search > search for Notepad > right click and select Run as Administrator.
File > Open > browse to the following path > Select All files from the dropdown > Open the file called Hosts
1. ```
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc
```
Edit the file as pictured below and save it.
Attempt to reproduce the problem and or perform a client-server communication test‍ and troubleshoot further following that article.