When it comes to troubleshooting network connectivity issues, one of the common steps is to reset the DNS server. The Domain Name System (DNS) is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, allowing us to access websites and other online services.
Sometimes, DNS issues can occur, causing difficulties in accessing certain websites or slowing down your internet connection. Resetting the DNS server can help resolve these problems.
What is a DNS Server?
Before we dive into the process of resetting the DNS server, let’s understand what it actually is. A DNS server is like a phonebook for the internet.
When you type a website name in your browser, such as www.example.com, your computer sends a request to a DNS server to find out the IP address associated with that domain name. Once the IP address is obtained, your computer can establish a connection with the website’s server and load its content.
Why Reset Your DNS Server?
In some cases, your computer’s cache or settings related to DNS might become outdated or corrupted. This can lead to problems like slow browsing speed, inability to access certain websites, or even complete loss of internet connectivity. Resetting the DNS server can clear out any cached data and restore your network settings to default.
Resetting DNS on Windows
If you are using Windows operating system, follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt: Press Windows Key + R, type “cmd,” and hit Enter.
- Type Command: In Command Prompt, type “
ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter. This command clears your computer’s local DNS cache. - Restart DNS Client Service: To ensure a complete reset, you can also restart the DNS Client service.
In Command Prompt, type “
net stop dnscache” and press Enter. After that, type “net start dnscache” and hit Enter. This will stop and start the DNS Client service, respectively.
Resetting DNS on macOS
If you are using a Mac, the process is slightly different:
- Open Terminal: Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
- Type Command: In Terminal, type “
dscacheutil -flushcache;” followed by “sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder;” and press Enter. These commands flush the DNS cache and restart the mDNSResponder process. - Provide Password: You might be prompted to enter your Mac’s password. Type it in (you won’t see it as you type) and press Enter.
Troubleshooting Further DNS Issues
If resetting the DNS server doesn’t resolve your connectivity issues or if you encounter other problems, there are a few additional steps you can take:
- Clear Browser Cache: Sometimes, browser caches can cause problems. Clearing your browser’s cache might help resolve issues related to specific websites.
- Try Different DNS Servers: Your internet service provider (ISP) typically assigns default DNS servers to your connection.
However, these servers may not always be the most reliable. You can try using alternative public DNS servers like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS to see if it improves your browsing experience.
- Restart Your Modem and Router: Power cycling your network equipment can often resolve various connectivity issues. Simply unplug your modem and router from the power source, wait for a few seconds, and then plug them back in.
Resetting the DNS server is a simple yet powerful troubleshooting step that can help resolve many network-related problems. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to clear your DNS cache and restore your network settings to their default state.
Remember, if you’re facing persistent issues even after resetting the DNS server, it’s advisable to reach out to your internet service provider for further assistance.