Let’s begin by understanding what the DNS (Domain Name System) is. The DNS is a system that manages domain names. It involves software or platforms that enable users to effectively manage their domain names, allowing for:  

  • Domain registration 
  • DNS management 
  • WHOIS lookup 
  • Information updates 
  • Renewal and expiration tracking 
  • Domain transfer and migration 
  • Privacy protection 
  • Subaccount management 
  • Reporting and analytics 

Moreover, the DNS system simplifies the administrative tasks associated with domain ownership and ensures the smooth operation of websites and online services. The service is provided by domain registrars and web hosting companies, allowing users to centrally manage and control their domain names for a successful online presence. 

How does the DNS server work? 

A DNS server converts domain names into corresponding IP addresses.  

  1. When a user enters a domain name, their device checks its local cache for the corresponding IP address. If not found, it contacts a recursive DNS server provided by the ISP.  
  2. The recursive server queries root DNS servers for authoritative servers of the relevant TLD.  
  3. The recursive server then contacts the TLD server, which provides the IP address of the domain’s authoritative server.  
  4. The recursive server requests the DNS records from the authoritative server, including the IP address.  
  5. The authoritative server sends the records back, cached by the recursive server.  
  6. The IP address is sent to the user’s device, which establishes a connection with the domain’s server, allowing access to the website or service.  

This hierarchical system ensures efficient resolution of domain names to IP addresses. 

When the DNS lookup fails to find a valid IP address for a domain, the ‘DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN’ error occurs. 

Here’s a breakdown of the components in the error message: 

DNS: Stands for Domain Name System, which is responsible for translating human-readable domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into machine-readable IP addresses (e.g., 192.0.2.1). 

PROBE: Indicates that the browser is attempting to probe or investigate the DNS resolution process. 

FINISHED: Implies that the DNS lookup process has completed. 

NXDOMAIN: Stands for Non-Existent Domain, which means that the domain name being queried does not exist or cannot be found in the DNS. 

 

ALSO READ- Nameservers vs. DNS: Definition, How it Works, and Why They Matter

 

What Causes the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error? 

The “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN” error can occur due to various reasons: 

Unregistered or Expired Domain: The target website cannot be located by the web browser because the domain is either not registered or has expired. 

Domain Misconfiguration: The domain is not correctly configured to point to an IP address, causing the DNS resolution to fail. 

DNS Settings Misconfiguration: Misconfigured DNS settings on the user’s computer prevent the resolution of the domain name. 

Interference from VPN or Antivirus Software: Network settings may be interfered with by VPN or antivirus software, leading to the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. 

Internet Provider Issue: The error may stem from problems with the internet service provider, causing difficulties in resolving domain names. 

When encountering the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error on Google Chrome, a message stating ‘This site can’t be reached’ will be displayed. Other browsers will show their respective error messages. 

 

Here are the two approaches available to investigate the causes of DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN error: 

 

1. Expired domain 

The error can occur due to issues with the website’s domain name. For example, if the URL is mistyped, the browser fails to locate the correct IP address through the DNS. 

If the URL is spelt correctly and the error persists, it is possible that the domain has expired or is not registered. To verify the status of a domain, you can use the ICANN lookup tool. Simply enter the website’s URL into the tool and check if it appears as an active domain in the ICANN data. 

2. Browser cache 

To determine if the DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN error is specific to your browser or affecting all users, you can follow this method. 

To test the website, visit a proxy server site such as hide.me or HMA. Enter the website’s URL and select a server location. 

If the website is accessible through the proxy server from different locations, it suggests that the error is more likely related to your device or browser rather than the website itself. In the following sections, we will discuss various solutions to resolve this issue. 

How to Fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error 

Here are eight methods you can try to fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error: 

1. Verify URL Accuracy 

Double-check the URL for any typing errors or misspellings to ensure it is entered correctly. 

dns checker

 

2. Clear DNS Cache 

Clear the DNS cache on your device to resolve temporary conflicts or outdated records. Access the command prompt or terminal and execute the appropriate command for your operating system, such as “ipconfig /flushdns” for Windows. 

command prompt

ip config

3. Restart DNS Client Service 

Refresh the DNS settings on your device by restarting the DNS client service. Open the command prompt or terminal and run the commands ‘net stop dnscache’ followed by ‘net start dnscache’ (Windows). 

4. Change DNS Servers 

Switch to alternative DNS servers, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220), instead of using your default DNS servers. Adjust the DNS settings in your network adapter or router configuration. 

DNS server

DNS Server open DNS

5. Disable VPN or Antivirus Software 

Temporarily disable VPN or antivirus software on your device, as they may interfere with DNS resolution. If the error persists, restart your browser and check.

vpn

6. Reset TCP/IP 

Resolve network-related issues by resetting the TCP/IP stack. Launch the command prompt or terminal as an administrator and execute the commands “netsh int ip reset” followed by “netsh winsock reset” (Windows). 

netsh winsock reset

netsh int ip reset

7. Update Network Drivers 

To resolve issues related to outdated or incompatible network drivers for your network adapter, you can uingpdate them by visiting the manufacturer’s website and downloading the most recent drivers. 

8. Restart Router or Modem 

Power off your router or modem, wait a few seconds and then power it back on. This can help resolve temporary connectivity issues with your network equipment. 

Conclusion 

Managing DNS servers can be a complex task. If you have exhausted all other options and are still unable to resolve the issue, website administrators can seek assistance from their domain registrar or hosting provider. These professionals can help diagnose and address the problem effectively. Our team offers fully qualified technical support through round-the-clock live chat plus phone and email customer support.  

Nevertheless, it is worth noting that implementing the solutions provided earlier typically resolves the NXDOMAIN error in most cases. We hope these methods prove helpful to you!