Are you experiencing the frustrating “DNS Server is Not Responding” error message? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and resolve this issue. So, let’s get started!
What is a DNS Server?
A DNS (Domain Name System) server translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing your computer to connect to websites and services on the internet. It acts as a directory that matches the easy-to-remember domain names (like www.example.com) with their corresponding IP addresses (like 192.168.0.1).
Why does the “DNS Server is Not Responding” error occur?
There can be several reasons why you encounter this error message. Let’s take a look at some common causes:
- Unresponsive DNS server: The DNS server you are trying to reach may be temporarily down or experiencing issues.
- Incorrect DNS settings: If your computer or router has incorrect DNS settings, it won’t be able to communicate with the DNS server properly.
- Network connectivity problems: Issues with your internet connection or network hardware can prevent your device from reaching the DNS server.
Troubleshooting Steps
Step 1: Restart Your Router and Modem
In many cases, simply restarting your router and modem can fix temporary network glitches that might be causing the “DNS Server is Not Responding” error.
Step 2: Flush DNS Cache
Your computer stores IP addresses in its DNS cache to speed up future requests. Sometimes, this cache can become corrupted, leading to DNS-related issues. To fix this, follow these steps:
- Open the Command Prompt on your computer by pressing the Windows Key + R and typing cmd. Then press Enter.
- In the Command Prompt window, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
- Wait for the process to complete and then restart your computer.
Step 3: Change DNS Server Settings
If restarting your router and flushing the DNS cache didn’t resolve the issue, you can try changing your DNS server settings. Follow these steps:
- Right-click on the network icon in your system tray and select “Open Network & Internet settings”.
- In the settings window, click on “Change adapter options”.
- Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties”.
- In the Properties window, select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties“.
- Select “Use the following DNS server addresses:“. Enter a primary DNS server (e.g., Google Public DNS: 8.8.8) and a secondary DNS server (e.4.4).
- Click on “OK” to save the changes.
Step 4: Disable Firewall or Antivirus Temporarily
In some cases, third-party firewall or antivirus software can interfere with your network connections. Temporarily disabling them can help identify if they are causing the “DNS Server is Not Responding” error.
Step 5: Contact Your ISP
If none of the above steps worked, it’s possible that the issue lies with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Reach out to their customer support for further assistance and guidance.
Conclusion
The “DNS Server is Not Responding” error can be frustrating, but by following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve it. Remember to restart your router and flush DNS cache as initial steps, followed by changing DNS server settings if necessary.
If all else fails, contacting your ISP for assistance is recommended. Happy browsing!