Have you ever encountered the frustrating message “DNS Server Not Found” while trying to access a website? Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this.
The Domain Name System (DNS) is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, allowing you to access websites by their familiar names rather than a series of numbers. When the DNS server is not found, it means your computer or device is unable to connect to the DNS server and resolve domain names.
What Causes DNS Server Not Found?
Several factors can contribute to this issue. Let’s take a look at some common causes:
- DNS Configuration Issues: Incorrect DNS settings on your device can prevent it from connecting to the DNS server.
- Internet Connectivity Problems: If you’re experiencing internet connectivity issues, your device may fail to reach the DNS server.
- Firewall or Antivirus Software: Sometimes, overzealous firewall or antivirus software can block the connection to the DNS server.
- DNS Server Outage: Occasionally, the DNS server itself might experience an outage or technical difficulties.
How to Fix DNS Server Not Found?
1. Check Your Internet Connection
The first step in resolving this issue is to ensure that your internet connection is stable. Restart your modem/router and check if other devices on your network can access the internet properly.
2. Flush DNS Cache
Your computer stores information about previously visited websites in its cache.
Flushing the DNS cache can help resolve any conflicts or outdated information that might be causing the issue. Open Command Prompt (or Terminal on macOS) and enter the following command: ipconfig /flushdns.
3. Update DNS Server Settings
Incorrect DNS settings can prevent your device from connecting to the DNS server.
Check if you’re using the correct DNS server addresses. You can choose to use public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8 and 8.4.4) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.220.220).
4. Disable Firewall or Antivirus Software Temporarily
If you suspect that your firewall or antivirus software is causing the issue, try disabling it temporarily and check if the problem persists.
5. Restart DNS Client Service
The DNS Client service on your computer is responsible for resolving domain names using the DNS server.
Restarting this service can help fix any issues it might be facing. Open Command Prompt (or Terminal on macOS) as an administrator and enter the following commands: net stop dnscache followed by net start dnscache.
6. Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
If none of the above steps solve the issue, it’s possible that there might be a problem with your ISP’s DNS server or network configuration. Contact your ISP for further assistance.
In Conclusion
The “DNS Server Not Found” error can be frustrating, but with these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve it in most cases.
Note: If you’re still experiencing issues after trying all of these steps, it’s recommended to consult a professional or seek further technical support.
I hope this article helped you understand how to fix the “DNS Server Not Found” error. Happy browsing!