An interrupted internet connection can be frustrating, especially when you are in the middle of something important. One common issue that many users face is the “DNS Server Not Responding” error. This error can bring your online activities to a halt, leaving you puzzled about how to resolve it.
Here is a detailed guide to help you understand how to fix the DNS Server Not Responding error and get back online quickly.
What is the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error?
The “DNS Server Not Responding” error is an issue commonly encountered when attempting to connect to the internet using a computer or other device.
DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is the internet’s phone book. It translates human-readable website names like www.bigrock.in into IP addresses that computers use to communicate with each other.
When the DNS server is not responding, your computer cannot translate the domain name into an IP address. As a result, it cannot find the web server hosting the website you are trying to access, leading to an error message or an inability to load the webpage.
This issue often stems from user-related factors such as network or internet connection problems, incorrect DNS settings, or an outdated browser. It can also result from a temporary outage of the DNS server, making it unavailable.
What Causes the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error?
The “DNS Server Not Responding” error can be caused by several factors, including:
1.Internet Connection Issues:
Your device connects to the internet through a router and modem. If there is a problem with either of these devices, or if your ISP is experiencing issues, your connection to the DNS server might be disrupted. Restarting your router and modem can often resolve these issues.
2.DNS Server Problems:
The DNS server translates domain names into IP addresses. If the DNS server provided by your ISP is down, overloaded, or experiencing technical difficulties, it will not be able to respond to your requests. In such cases, switching to a different DNS server, such as Google DNS or OpenDNS, might help.
3.Incorrect DNS Settings:
Your device’s DNS settings should be configured to automatically obtain the DNS server address. If these settings have been changed or are incorrect, your device might not be able to connect to the DNS server. Ensuring that your DNS settings are correct can resolve this issue.
4.Firewall or Security Software:
Firewalls and security software are designed to protect your device from unauthorized access. However, they can sometimes block your connection to the DNS server. Temporarily disabling your firewall or security software can help determine if they are the cause of the issue.
5.Network Adapter Issues:
The network adapter is a hardware component that connects your device to the network. If the drivers for your network adapter are outdated or if the adapter is malfunctioning, it can lead to connectivity problems, including DNS server errors. Updating your network adapter drivers or resetting the adapter might resolve the issue.
6.Malware or Viruses:
Malicious software like malware or viruses can modify your DNS settings or interfere with your internet connection, leading to the “DNS Server Not Responding” error. Running a malware scan and removing any detected threats can help fix the issue.
7.Temporary Server Outage:
Sometimes, the DNS server itself might be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance or technical issues. In such cases, there is not much you can do except wait for the server to come back online or switch to an alternative DNS server in the meantime.
How to Fix “DNS Server Not Responding” Error?
The “DNS Server Not Responding” error can hinder your internet access, but it is often fixable through some troubleshooting steps. Here are some effective methods to resolve the issue and restore your connectivity.
1.Use a Different Web Browser:
Sometimes, the issue might be specific to a particular web browser. Try accessing the internet using a different browser to see if the problem persists. If it does not, the issue might be related to the settings or extensions of the original browser.
2.Device Responsiveness Check:
Ensure that your device is not in sleep mode or experiencing hardware issues that might affect its network connectivity. Check if other devices on the same network are experiencing similar issues to rule out device-specific problems.
3.Restart Your Router:
A simple yet effective fix is to restart your router and modem. This can refresh your network connection and resolve any temporary glitches affecting your DNS server connectivity.
4.Troubleshoot Network Problems:
Use your operating system’s network troubleshooter to diagnose and fix network issues. This tool can often automatically identify and resolve problems affecting your internet connection.
5.Manually Set Your DNS Server:
Instead of relying on your ISP’s DNS server, manually set your DNS server to a public DNS service like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or OpenDNS. This can improve reliability and speed.
6.Clear the DNS Cache:
Clearing your DNS cache can resolve outdated or corrupted DNS entries. On Windows, open Command Prompt and run the command ipconfig /flushdns to clear the cache.
7.Disable Internet Protocol:
If you are using both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, try disabling one of them in your network settings. Sometimes, conflicts between these protocols can cause DNS issues.
8.Temporarily Deactivate your Firewall and Disable Antivirus:
Firewalls and antivirus software can sometimes block DNS traffic. Temporarily disable these to see if they are the cause of the issue but remember to re-enable them afterward for security.
9.Reset DNS Settings:
Resetting your DNS settings to their default can fix any misconfigurations. This can be done through your network adapter’s properties in the Control Panel or Network Settings.
10.Update the Network Adapter Driver:
Outdated network adapter drivers can cause connectivity issues. Check your device manufacturer’s website for the latest driver updates and install them.
11.Restart your Computer in Safe Mode:
Booting your computer in Safe Mode with Networking can help identify if third-party software is causing the DNS issue. If the problem does not occur in Safe Mode, it is related to software or drivers on your system.
By following the guidance provided above, you can effectively learn how to solve the DNS issue and restore your internet connection to its optimal state.
With BigRock‘s managed hosting service, a team of experts takes care of any DNS-related errors like DNS Server Not Responding. Managed hosting service offers comprehensive support, including server setup, maintenance, software updates, security monitoring, and technical support.
