Are you facing the frustrating issue of “DNS Server Isn’t Responding” on your Windows 7 computer? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps to fix this problem and get your internet connection up and running again.
What is a DNS Server?
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s first understand what a DNS server is. DNS stands for Domain Name System.
It is like a phone book for the internet. When you type a website address in your browser, such as www.example.com, the DNS server translates that human-readable domain name into an IP address that computers can understand.
Common Causes of DNS Server Isn’t Responding Error:
- Internet connectivity issues
- Incorrect network configuration
- DNS cache corruption
- DNS server issues
Solution 1: Restart Your Router and Modem
The first thing you should try is to restart your router and modem. This simple step can often resolve temporary network glitches that may be causing the DNS server error.
- Turn off your router and modem by unplugging them from the power source.
- Wait for about 30 seconds.
- Plug them back in and turn them on.
Solution 2: Flush DNS Cache
If restarting your router and modem didn’t solve the problem, you can try flushing the DNS cache on your Windows 7 computer. Here’s how:
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Open the Command Prompt by pressing Windows Key + R, typing cmd, and hitting Enter.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
ipconfig /flushdnsWait for a few seconds until you see the message “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”
Solution 3: Change DNS Server Address
If flushing the DNS cache didn’t work, you can try changing your DNS server address to a public one like Google’s DNS or OpenDNS. Here’s how:
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- You may need to repeat this step for “Internet Protocol Version (TCP/IPv6)” if it is enabled on your system.
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Open the Network and Sharing Center on your Windows computer. You can do this by right-clicking on the network icon in your system tray and selecting “Open Network and Sharing Center.”
In the Network and Sharing Center, click on “Change adapter settings” in the left-hand sidebar.
Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties.”
In the Properties window, scroll down to find “Internet Protocol Version (TCP/IPv4)” and double-click on it.
In the Internet Protocol Version (TCP/IPv4) Properties window, select “Use the following DNS server addresses.”
Enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses. For example, you can use Google’s public DNS servers: Preferred DNS server – 8.8.8 and Alternate DNS server – 8.4.
Click “OK” to save the changes.
Solution 4: Disable Firewall or Antivirus
In some cases, your firewall or antivirus software can interfere with your network connection and cause the “DNS Server Isn’t Responding” error. Temporarily disabling them can help identify if they are the cause of the problem.
Note: Remember to enable your firewall and antivirus after troubleshooting to ensure your computer’s security.
Solution 5: Update Network Drivers
An outdated or corrupt network driver can also lead to DNS server errors. Updating your network drivers can potentially fix this issue.
You can update your network drivers manually by visiting the manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest drivers for your specific network adapter model. Alternatively, you can use a driver update utility software to automate the process.
In conclusion,
If you’ve followed these steps carefully, you should now have successfully resolved the “DNS Server Isn’t Responding” error on your Windows 7 computer. It is important to note that if none of these solutions work, there may be a more complex underlying issue that requires further investigation or professional assistance.
We hope this guide has been helpful to you in resolving the DNS server error. Happy browsing!