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How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Problem
Posted: May 14th, 2018
This article teaches you how to fix your PC's Internet connection issues that are caused by Domain Name Server (DNS) errors. DNS is a server that translates websites' addresses so that your browser can connect to them. If the addresses become out-of-date or the server has issues, you'll encounter a DNS error and won't be able to connect to a specific site or group of sites even with Internet access. You can potentially fix DNS issues by troubleshooting your current connection, flushing the DNS cache, disabling extra connections, changing your computer's default DNS server, and even resetting your router.
Possible Scenarios:
1) Try connecting with a different device - If you can connect a phone, tablet, or computer to the network and access the webpage that you're having trouble with on your primary device, the issue is definitively with the device and not the router.
> Not being able to connect with the second device doesn't necessarily mean that the router is the problem.
> If you're having trouble with a specific website, try accessing it using mobile data. If you still can't access the site, the issue is on the site's end
2) Try a different browser- This is one of the quickest ways to test your DNS connections. Download a different free browser such as Firefox or Chrome and attempt to connect to the internet; if the problems persist, you can rule out browser problems as the reason for your DNS server not responding.
> If the issues are resolved, uninstalling and then reinstalling your old browser will likely fix the problem.
3) Power cycle your modem and router- This will clear your router's cache and thus may resolve DNS errors. To do so:
> Unplug your modem's power cable as well as your router's power cable.
> Allow both your modem and your router to sit for at least 30 seconds.
> Reconnect your modem and wait for it to come back online.
> Reconnect your router to your modem and wait for it to come back online.
4) Connect your computer to your router via Ethernet- If you're already using Ethernet, skip this step.
> If you can connect to a web page while using Ethernet, the problem may stem from your router. You'll most likely need to reset it.
> If you can't connect to a web page while connected via Ethernet, your DNS settings may be the problem.
Flushing the DNS Cache: Windows
1) Open Start . - Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen, or press ⊞ Win
2) Type command prompt into Start- Doing so searches your computer for the Command Prompt app..
3) Click Command Prompt- It's at the top of the Start window. This will open Command Prompt
4) Type in ipconfig /flushdns and press ↵ Enter- This command removes any saved DNS addresses. The next time you try to open a website, a new DNS address will be created.
5) Restart your web browser- Doing so refreshes your browser's cache. If you can now connect to the webpage you were having trouble with earlier, the problem is resolved.
> If you're still experiencing connection issues, proceed to the next method.
Disabling Extra Connections
1) Open your computer's Network Settings:
On Microsoft Windows: Open Start , click Settings , click Network & Internet, and click Change adapter options.
On Mac: Open the Apple menu, click System Preferences, and click Network.
2) Look for extra connections: You can remove any connection to which you aren't currently connected; this includes Bluetooth and wireless connections.
> The most common cause for DNS issues is the existence of "Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter".
3) Select an extra connection: Simply click a connection to select it.
> On Windows, each icon on the page represents a connection.
> On Mac, the connections are on the left side of the window.
4) Remove the connection: To do so:
> Windows - Click Disable this network device at the top of the window.
> Mac - Click the minus sign (-) at the bottom of the network window.
5) Try visiting a webpage: If you can access your webpage, then the issue is resolved. If not, proceed to the next method.
Editing the DNS Server
Windows
1) Click your current connection's name. It will be on the Connections page. This will select it.
2) Click Change settings of this connection. This button is in the top row of options in the window. Clicking it will open the connection's settings.
3) Click the "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)" result. It's in the window that's in the middle of the Wi-Fi Properties pop-up. Doing so will select it.
> If you don't see this window, click the Networking tab at the top of Wi-Fi Properties.
4) Click Properties. This option is near the bottom of the window
5) Check the "Use the following DNS server addresses" circle. It's near the bottom of the Properties window.
6) Enter a preferred DNS address. This goes in the "Preferred DNS server" field near the bottom of the window. Reliable DNS servers include the following:
> OpenDNS - Enter 208.67.222.222.
> Google - Enter 8.8.8.8.
7) Enter an alternate DNS address. This goes in the "Alternate DNS server" field below the first field. Depending on what you entered in the "Preferred" field, what you enter here will vary:
> OpenDNS - Enter 208.67.220.220.
> Google - Enter 8.8.4.4.
8) Click OK. Doing so saves your DNS settings.
9) Click Close. It's at the bottom of the window.
10) Restart your computer. Once your computer finishes booting up, you can test your network connection; if it works now, your computer's default DNS server was the problem.
> If your computer can connect, consider calling your Internet Service Provider to notify them about the DNS issues.
> If you still can't connect, proceed to the next method.
Resetting the Router
1) Find your router's "Reset" button. This button is usually on the back of the router.
> You'll usually need a needle, a paperclip, or a similarly thin item to press the "Reset" button.
> Resetting your router will also disconnect every device you have connected to the router.
2) Press and hold the "Reset" button. Hold it for at least 30 seconds to ensure that the router completely resets.
3) Connect to your network. Use the factory password that's printed on the bottom of your router to complete the connection.
4) Try accessing the website you were having trouble with. If you still can't connect to the Internet or access the site you're trying to use, it's time to contact your Internet Service Provider to make them aware of the DNS issues you're facing.
> If resetting the router does indeed resolve the DNS issues, consider picking up a newer router if yours is more than a couple of years old.
Article sourced from Wikihow.com
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-DNS-Server-Not-Responding-Problem
