You can think of DNS (Domain Name System) as the phonebook of the Internet. DNS converts hostnames into computer-friendly IP addresses for browsers to load internet resources. In short, without DNS we would be carrying a thick book full of IP numbers of all the websites we need to access.
Each device has a unique IP address, DNS acts as an intermediary between these numbers and our inability to mug up all these numbers. DNS has been a bare bone of the internet since 1985. It syncs up each and every domain name with an IP address.
Now, think about what would happen if DNS is not responding. The ‘DNS is not responding error’ is a common threat every browser will come across at least once. Here, let’s take a look at how to tackle this issue and how to fix DNS server not responding to errors?
What are the Reasons for “DNS is not Responding Error”?
1. Antivirus issues
Some peculiar antivirus brands have had a tragic past with DNS servers. Most brands have themselves resolved the issue through updates. Even now, if you are seeing pop up on DNS that is not responding, start with disabling your antivirus.
2. Issues with router configuration
DNS problems caused due to improper router settings are another common DNS syndrome. Configuring the routers to use alternate DNS servers is the most amicable solution for this.
3. Problems with the Internet provider
When the internet provider’s server is overloaded that would also end in a DNS issue. Switching the DNS server is an appropriate solution. And the google DNS is the answer.
4. Malfunctioning TCP/IP
A malfunctioning TCP/IP would take the DNS server straight to the stretcher. Troubleshooting the TCP/IP should be your first choice before starting on anything else.
5. Malware Attacks
Such attacks will poison the DNS server causing a DNS server not responding error. Malware will exploit the poor DNS server since it is a trusted protocol used to publish information by the networking client.
DNS is the weak spot for many, an unresponsive DNS server not responding to a Windows 10 server would bring havoc in the domain of the internet.
How To Fix DNS Server Not Responding error?
1. Correct your DNS server Address
If your DNS server is using the wrong IP address, or if the DNS server address has become out of date, it’s time to reconsider a new address. It’s not a hefty task nor a literal re-location. All you have to do is follow the instructions and click likewise.
- Press windows log key + R
- Type ‘control’ and press enter
- Click on ‘network and sharing center’
- Change adapter settings
- Click on ‘Ethernet’
- Click on ‘properties’
- Select ‘Internet protocol version (TCP/IP V4)’.
- From properties click on ‘obtain an IP address automatically and DNS server address automatically’.
- Click on ‘internet protocol version 6 (TCP/IP V6).
- Click on ‘obtain an IP address automatically and DNS server address automatically’.
- Restart your computer and try to access that website again.
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2. Flush the DNS of your computer
When it is too much, even the DNS cache will show signs. Clearing the cache will take out all the entries including the invalid records. Such an action will result in your computer repopulating such an address the next time you go online.
DNS cache will contain a list of all recently accessed domain names. When the cache is poisoned or polluted, flushing it is the next step. The point being; don’t form an emotional attachment with the cache, it needs to go out.
How To:
- Type ‘cmd’ in the search box from the start menu
- Right-click on command prompt
- Select ‘Run as administrator’
- Click yes when prompted by the administrator.
- On the black window that pops up, type: ipconfig/flushdns.
- Restart the device and try to access the website again.
3. Disable unused networks:
Disabling unused networks is a two-sided coin. It will speed up the booting of the computer and solve any DNS server issues. Many computers tend to have more than two local networks connected, disabling the unused ones will only show positive effects.
How to:
- Select ‘control panel’ from the start menu.
- Click on ‘network and the internet’.
- Click on ‘network and sharing center’.
- In the left-hand section, click on ‘Change adapter settings’.
- In the new window that pops up, right-click on ‘local area connection’ or ‘wireless connection’.
- Click on disable.
4. Change The physical Address.
The physical address of a device is its birthmark assigned by the manufacturer. The physical address, also called media access address ( MAC) is the low-level basics that fuel the ethernet-based network.
MAC addresses work in sync with IP addresses for the device to successfully access the Internet. The best effect of changing a MAC address is to bypass certain network restrictions that prevent you from accessing a website.
How To
- From the start menu, open the device manager.
- From the network adapters option, click on the network that you want to modify.
- Click on ‘properties’
- Select the ‘Advanced’ tab
- Select ‘network address’
- In the value option, type the desired value and make sure you don’t leave any space.
5. Power cycle the router and computer.
Power cycling also is known as the cold boot is the easiest solution you can pull in a possible DNS server issue. Pull the plugs of the device with a cold heart, wait for sixty seconds before starting it on.
When the system boots up, give it some time to get started before starting up with your work. This might resolve the issue.
6. Uninstalling the Antivirus:
When the anti-virus is the issue, sometimes you will need to look for a better option. First, disable your antivirus and see if the issue is repeating, if it is, throws it in the bin.
It usually happens when the anti-virus database gets updated. The program might mistake that your computer database is updated when it really isn’t.
Sometimes, the antivirus companies will come up with another update to resolve the issue, if that’s not happening, I know it’s heartbreaking, but start searching for new ones.
7. Disable your firewall
Most often, DNS connectivity issues are a result of Firewall options. The second option to try after switching off your antivirus is to turn off your Firewall.
It can be a firewall issue if the machine is taking too long to establish a connection or even not establishing a connection using DNS terms.
Switch your firewall off and try again for a second time.
8. Booting in safe mode.
Booting in safe mode is a safe option to settle your DNS option. Safely restart your computer and when it boots up, start with f5 and select the safe mode option. Wait for it to get started, once it does, try to see if the problem is resolved.
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How to fix DNS server problem in MAC OS (more to add)
Issues in MAC OS mainly arise when there is a blockade between the internet server and the MAC device which is lost due to some outage. If it’s a network problem using the ‘Network diagnostics’ button will simply settle the issue.
The only way to find out where the issue arises is by using another application to access the website. Once you corner the issue, then the solutions are easy in mac.
How to fix a DNS issue for android phones?
To fix a DNS issue with android, the most preferred option is to change the DNS server. Before starting up with such a move, duly note that it will only be possible through wifi and not cellular connections.
Plus, changing the DNS server will increase the speed and reliability of your network.
- To start with, turn on your wifi from settings, make sure to make your phone forget it.
- Tap it on again, and enter the password once more to connect.
- Once you enter the password, scroll down, and select ‘advanced options.
- Change IP settings from DHCP to static.
- Slide your finger towards DNS 1 and DNS 2, enter your preferred DNS address.
If that’s way too much work for you to do, the apps Dns changer and DNSet are dedicated to aiding you in this purpose.
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How to solve a DNS issue on IOS
Even when it comes to IOS the options are pretty much the same. The problem will arise due to a DNS server issue. As same as android, such a move will only be possible through wifi and not cellular connections.
- Start up your phone and select the settings option
- Touch on ‘wifi’ options
- Select the wifi networks that you are already connected to
- Touch on the arrow adjacent to that and select the option DNS
- Get rid of the current DNS server and enter a new one. (if you are using more than one DNS server, separate them with commas.)
- Please give it a trial shot to see if it’s working.
FAQ
1.What is the cause of a DNS error?
There are many causes ranging from an ill-functioning anti-virus, firewall issues, malfunctioning TCP/IP software even problems with router configuration.
2. Why is my DNS failing?
A DNS error can cut out your access to the internet. It is most often caused by having no connection or even a misconfigured laptop.
3.How do I clear my DNS cache?
In the command prompt window that opens by typing ‘cmd’ in the run bar, type ‘ipconfig/ flushdns’ and press enter.
4. Which command is used while troubleshooting DNS issues?
Nslookup is the most commonly used command-line tool to test the DNS resolution.
5. How can I tell if my DNS server is working properly?
Test DNS with dig and nslookup commands.
