Corel: Draw X7 Block Activation Hosts File

At the bottom of the Hosts file, you will see a line like # 127.0.0.1 localhost. Below that, add the following lines (one per domain):

# Corel Draw X7 Activation Block
127.0.0.1 mc.corel.com
127.0.0.1 ipm.corel.com
127.0.0.1 lvs.corel.com
127.0.0.1 activation.corel.com
127.0.0.1 activate.corel.com
127.0.0.1 auth.corel.com
127.0.0.1 corel.eaa.corel.com
127.0.0.1 ssl.corel.com
127.0.0.1 cds.corel.com
127.0.0.1 hub.corel.com

Go to File > Save (Ctrl+S). If Windows denies saving, you did not open Notepad as Administrator. Close and retry.

The Hosts file is powerful, but smart antivirus software sometimes bypasses it. For 100% reliability, combine the Hosts edit with Windows Firewall rules.

How to block Corel Draw X7 in Firewall:

Why this helps: Even if a malicious script changes your Hosts file, the firewall physically stops the .exe from sending data.

To block CorelDraw X7 from deactivating by "phoning home" for license verification, you can edit your Windows hosts file to redirect its activation servers to your own local machine (

). This process essentially tricks the software into thinking the internet is disconnected for those specific domains. How to Edit the Hosts File Corel Draw X7 Block Activation Hosts File

Editing this file requires administrative privileges and is often easier if you work from your desktop first.

Locate the File: Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc.

Move to Desktop: Copy the hosts file and paste it onto your Desktop. This bypasses restricted folder permissions.

Open with Notepad: Right-click the desktop copy of the hosts file, select Open with, and choose Notepad.

Add Block Lines: Scroll to the very bottom and add the following lines (replace [DOMAIN] with the specific Corel activation URLs provided in your installation guide): 127.0.0.1 [DOMAIN_1] 127.0.0.1 [DOMAIN_2]

Save and Replace: Save the file in Notepad, then drag the edited hosts file from your desktop back into the original etc folder. Select Replace the file in the destination when prompted. Recommended Activation Domains to Block At the bottom of the Hosts file, you

Common domains used by CorelDraw for activation checks include: mc.corel.com apps.corel.com origin-mc.corel.com iws.corel.com Additional Layer: Firewall Blocking

For a "100% block," it is highly recommended to also create an Outbound Rule in Windows Defender Firewall:

Search for Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security in the Start menu. Click Outbound Rules > New Rule.

Select Program and browse to the CorelDraw executable (usually C:\Program Files\Corel\CorelDRAW Graphics Suite X7\Programs\CorelDRW.exe).

Select Block the connection and apply it to Domain, Private, and Public profiles.

Repeat these steps for the Protexis Licensing Service (PsiService_2.exe), typically found in Common Files\Protexis\License Service. Go to File > Save (Ctrl+S)

Tip: Always perform these steps before connecting to the internet for the first time after installation to prevent the software from immediately checking for updates or invalidating the serial key.

While the Hosts file is effective, a more robust method is to combine it with a firewall rule. This prevents Corel from bypassing the Hosts file via hardcoded DNS or direct IP access.

CorelDRAW Graphics Suite is proprietary software. Using the Hosts file to bypass activation is a violation of the End User License Agreement (EULA) and constitutes software piracy.

To block activation, you add an entry that maps Corel’s activation server domain names to a null or local IP address. The most common addresses used are:

When Corel Draw X7 tries to reach activation.corel.com, your computer reads the Hosts file and sends the request to 127.0.0.1 instead. Since no activation server lives on your PC, the connection times out. The software then assumes you are offline and (in some cases) allows activation via a manual file method, or simply stops harassing you.

A: No. The Hosts file is a standard part of the operating system. Using it to block any domain (whether for privacy, security, or convenience) is legal. However, using it to circumvent paying for software you are not licensed for is a violation of Corel’s terms.