How to the Fix DNS Server Not Responding” Error

Fri-Apr-2024
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The internet, with its vast resources and endless possibilities, can grind to a halt when you encounter the dreaded “DNS Server Not Responding” error. This error message signifies a problem with the Domain Name System (DNS), the internet’s phonebook that translates user-friendly website addresses (like [invalid URL removed]) into numerical IP addresses that computers can understand. But fear not! This article equips you with a comprehensive arsenal of solutions to combat this error and get you back on track to navigating the web seamlessly.

Understanding the DNS Server Not Responding Error:

When you try to access a website, your computer doesn’t directly communicate with the website’s address you typed in (URL). Instead, it relies on DNS servers to act as intermediaries. These servers maintain a database that maps website domain names to their corresponding IP addresses. When you enter a URL, your computer contacts a DNS server, retrieves the IP address, and establishes a connection with the website’s server.

The “DNS Server Not Responding” error arises when this communication between your computer and the DNS server breaks down. This can be caused by various factors, including:

  • Temporary DNS Server Issues: DNS servers, like any other service, can experience temporary outages or glitches that can disrupt communication.
  • Incorrect DNS Server Configuration: If your computer is configured to use an incorrect or unavailable DNS server, it won’t be able to translate domain names to IP addresses.
  • Network Router Issues: Your internet router acts as a gateway between your devices and the internet. Problems with the router’s configuration or firmware can hinder DNS communication.
  • Internet Service Provider (ISP) Issues: In rare cases, problems on your ISP’s end might be causing DNS resolution issues for all its subscribers.

Resolving the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error: A Step-by-Step Guide

Don’t panic when you encounter this error. Here’s a structured approach to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue:

Basic Checks:

  1. Restart Your Devices: A simple restart of your computer and router can often resolve temporary glitches that might be causing the problem.
  2. Check Your Network Cables: Ensure all network cables connecting your computer to the router and the router to the modem are securely plugged in.
  3. Verify Your Internet Connection: Open a web browser and try accessing a different website you know is functional. If other websites load, the issue might be specific to the original website you were trying to access.

Troubleshooting Your Computer’s DNS Settings:

  1. Flush Your DNS Cache: Your computer stores a cache of recently accessed domain names and their corresponding IP addresses. A corrupted cache can sometimes lead to DNS issues. Flushing the cache clears this temporary data and might resolve the problem.

    • Windows: Open Command Prompt as administrator. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
    • Mac: Open Terminal. Type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter (enter your password when prompted).

  2. Change Your DNS Servers: By default, your computer likely uses the DNS servers provided by your ISP. These servers can sometimes become overloaded or experience technical difficulties. You can try switching to a public DNS server like Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220).

    • Windows: Search for “Change adapter settings” in the Start menu. Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties.” Double-click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).” Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the preferred and alternate DNS server addresses. Click “OK” to save changes.
    • Mac: Go to System Preferences > Network. Select your network connection and click “Advanced.” Click on the “DNS” tab. Click the “+” button and enter the desired DNS server addresses. Click “OK” to save changes.

Advanced Troubleshooting:

  1. Update Network Adapter Drivers: Outdated network adapter drivers can sometimes cause connectivity issues. Updating your drivers to the latest version might resolve the problem.

    • Windows: Search for “Device Manager” in the Start menu. Expand “Network adapters,” right-click on your network adapter, and select “Update driver.”
    • Mac: System updates often include driver updates. Check for software updates by going to System Preferences > Software Update.

  2. Temporarily Disable Firewall and Antivirus Software: In rare cases, overly aggressive firewall or antivirus software might interfere