How Do I Fix DNS Server Address Cannot Be Found?

Are you facing the frustrating issue of your DNS server address not being found? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to fix this problem and get your internet connection up and running smoothly again.

What is a DNS Server?

Before diving into the troubleshooting process, let’s take a moment to understand what a DNS server is. DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is responsible for translating human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (like 192.168.1.1). Essentially, the DNS server acts as a directory that helps your browser locate websites on the internet.

Common Causes of the ‘DNS Server Address Cannot Be Found’ Error

Several factors can contribute to this error message. Here are some common causes:

• DNS Server Issues: The problem could be with the DNS server itself. It might be experiencing downtime or connectivity issues.
• Internet Connection Problems: If your internet connection is unstable or not working correctly, it can lead to DNS errors.
• Incorrect Network Configuration: Misconfigured network settings can cause conflicts and prevent your device from connecting to the DNS server.
• Firewall or Antivirus Interference: Sometimes, overprotective firewall settings or antivirus software can block access to the DNS server.

Troubleshooting Steps

Step 1: Restart Your Router

If you encounter a ‘DNS Server Address Cannot Be Found’ error, try restarting your router first. Simply unplug it from the power source, wait for about 30 seconds, and then plug it back in. This simple action can often resolve temporary connectivity issues.

Step 2: Clear Your Browser Cache

Outdated or corrupted browser cache files can sometimes interfere with DNS resolution. To clear the cache, follow these steps:

1. Open your browser settings.
2. Navigate to the ‘Privacy’ or ‘History’ section.
3. Click on the option to clear your browsing data or history.
4. Select the appropriate time range and make sure to check the box for clearing cache files.
5. Click ‘Clear’ or ‘Delete’ to confirm.

Step 3: Flush DNS Cache

In some cases, flushing the DNS cache can help resolve DNS-related issues. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the command prompt on your computer (Windows key + R, then type ‘cmd’ and press Enter).
2. Type the command ‘ipconfig /flushdns‘ and press Enter.
3. You should see a message confirming that the DNS resolver cache was successfully flushed.

Step 4: Change Your DNS Server

If all else fails, you can try changing your DNS server manually. By default, your device is set to use your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) DNS servers.

However, using public DNS servers like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS can often provide more reliable and faster connections. Here’s how you can change your DNS server:

1. Navigate to your network settings on your device.
2. Select the Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection you are using.
3. Click on ‘Properties’ or ‘Advanced’.
4. Look for the DNS settings and change them to the desired DNS server addresses (e.g., 8.8.8 for Google DNS).
5. Save your changes and restart your device.

Conclusion

The ‘DNS Server Address Cannot Be Found’ error can be frustrating, but with the steps outlined in this tutorial, you should be able to resolve it quickly. Remember to restart your router, clear your browser cache, flush the DNS cache, and change your DNS server if needed. By following these troubleshooting steps, you’ll be back online in no time!

Happy browsing!