Are you experiencing issues with your DNS server? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we will guide you through the process of fixing a non-functioning DNS server. Let’s dive in.
What is a DNS server?
A Domain Name System (DNS) server is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses. It acts as a directory that helps your computer connect to websites by matching the domain name you type into your browser with the corresponding IP address.
Common symptoms of a non-functioning DNS server:
- No Internet access: You can’t connect to any websites or services.
- Slow Internet connection: It takes longer than usual to load web pages.
- Error messages: You may encounter error messages like “DNS server not responding” or “Server DNS address could not be found.”
Potential causes of a non-functioning DNS server:
- Incorrect network settings: Your DNS settings may be misconfigured.
- DNS cache issues: Your computer may have cached incorrect or outdated DNS information.
- DNS server problems: The DNS servers provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may be experiencing issues.
Steps to fix a non-functioning DNS server:
Step 1: Check other devices and websites
If only one device is experiencing the issue, it might be specific to that device. Check if other devices on the same network can connect to the internet and access websites without any problems. Also, try accessing different websites to ensure the issue is not limited to a specific site.
Step 2: Restart your router
Restarting your router can often resolve temporary issues. Unplug the power cord from your router, wait for a few seconds, and then plug it back in. Wait for the router to start up and try accessing the internet again.
Step 3: Flush DNS cache
Flushing the DNS cache on your computer can help resolve issues related to cached DNS information. Open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac/Linux) and enter the following command:
ipconfig /flushdns(Windows)
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder(Mac)
sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches(Linux)
Step 4: Change DNS server settings
If the above steps haven’t resolved the issue, you can try changing your DNS server settings. You can use public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8 and 8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1 and 1.0.1). Here’s how to change DNS settings on different operating systems:
- Windows:
- Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
- Select your network connection, right-click, and choose “Properties.”
- Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties.”
- Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses.
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
- Mac:
- Go to System Preferences > Network.
- Select your network connection and click the “Advanced” button.
- Go to the “DNS” tab.
- Add or remove DNS servers by clicking the “+” or “-” button.
- Linux:
- Edit the /etc/resolv.conf file using a text editor.
- Add “nameserver <DNS_SERVER_IP>” lines for each DNS server you want to use, replacing <DNS_SERVER_IP> with the actual IP address of the DNS server.
- Save the file and restart your network connection (or reboot your computer).
Note: Changing DNS settings may require administrative privileges on your computer or device.
Step 5: Contact your ISP
If none of the above steps work, it’s possible that there might be an issue with your ISP’s DNS servers. Contact your Internet Service Provider’s customer support for further assistance. They will be able to guide you through any specific troubleshooting steps related to their network setup.
By following these steps, you should be able to fix a non-functioning DNS server and restore your internet connectivity. Remember, troubleshooting network issues can sometimes be complex, so don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed. Happy browsing!