DNS server not responding

Are you facing issues with your internet connection? Is your browser showing an error message that says “DNS server not responding”? If so, you’re not alone. Many people encounter this problem, but fortunately, there are solutions available. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why you might be experiencing this issue and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix it. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what a DNS server is, why it may stop responding, and how you can troubleshoot and resolve the problem.

What is a DNS Server?

Before we delve into the reasons behind a non-responsive DNS server, let’s first understand what a DNS server is. DNS stands for Domain Name System, and it acts as a translator between human-readable domain names and IP addresses, which are numerical identifiers used by computers to communicate over the internet. When you enter a website’s URL into your browser, the DNS server is responsible for converting that domain name into the corresponding IP address.

Reasons for a Non-Responsive DNS Server

1. Internet Connection Issues: Temporary outages or weak signals can prevent your device from reaching the DNS server.
2. Incorrect DNS Server Configuration: Misconfigured or accidentally changed DNS server settings can cause your device to fail in connecting to the DNS server.
3. DNS Cache Issues: Corrupted or outdated DNS information stored in the cache of your computer or network devices can lead to a non-responsive DNS server.
4. Firewall or Security Software Interference: Overzealous firewall or security software settings can block communication between your device and the DNS server, resulting in the “DNS server not responding” error.
5. DNS Server Outage: Technical difficulties or maintenance of the DNS server can cause it to stop responding to DNS queries.

How to fix DNS server not responding?

Fix 1: Reset DNS Settings

To resolve the “DNS server not responding” issue, you can try resetting your DNS settings to their default values. Follow these detailed steps to reset DNS settings:

1. On Windows:
   • Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type “Control Panel”. Open the Control Panel from the search results.
   • In the Control Panel, locate and click on “Network and Internet”.
   • Under the Network and Internet section, click on “Network and Sharing Center”.
   • In the Network and Sharing Center, click on “Change adapter settings” on the left-hand side.
   • You will see a list of network connections. Right-click on the network connection you are currently using (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select “Properties”.
   • In the Properties window, scroll down and locate “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”. Select it and click on the “Properties” button.
   • In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties, make sure that both options are set to “Obtain DNS server address automatically”. If they are not, select the options and click on “OK” to save the changes.
   • Close all the windows and restart your computer to apply the new DNS settings.
2. On Mac:
   • Click on the Apple menu at the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences”.
   • In the System Preferences window, click on “Network”.
   • On the left-hand side, select the network connection you are using (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
   • Click on the “Advanced” button at the bottom right corner of the window.
   • In the Advanced settings, navigate to the “DNS” tab.
   • You will see a list of DNS server addresses. Select each address and click on the “-“ button to remove them until the list is empty.
   • Click on the “+” button to add a new DNS server address.
   • Enter “8.8.8.8” (Google DNS) or “208.67.222.222” (OpenDNS) in the DNS server field.
   • Click on “OK” and then “Apply” to save the changes.
   • Restart your Mac for the new DNS settings to take effect.

After resetting your DNS settings, check if the “DNS server not responding” error is resolved. If the issue persists, you can try other troubleshooting steps mentioned in the article.

Remember to add an engaging introduction and conclusion to the article before finalizing it.

Fix 2: Reset DNS Settings using Command Prompt or Terminal

If you prefer using the command line interface, you can reset DNS settings using Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac). Follow these steps:

1. On Windows:
   • Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type “Command Prompt”. Open Command Prompt from the search results.
   • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

bashCopy code

ipconfig /flushdns

• This command will clear the DNS cache on your computer.
• Next, type the following command and press Enter to reset the DNS settings to their default values:

perlCopy code

netsh int ip reset

• Once the command is executed successfully, restart your computer to apply the changes.

2. On Mac:
   • Click on Spotlight (the magnifying glass icon) in the top right corner of your screen and type “Terminal”. Open Terminal from the search results.
   • In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:

Copy code

sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

• Enter your Mac password when prompted. Note that your password will not be displayed as you type.
• This command will reset the DNS settings and flush the DNS cache on your Mac.
• Restart your Mac to apply the changes.

After resetting the DNS settings using Command Prompt or Terminal, check if the “DNS server not responding” error is resolved. If the issue persists, you can try other troubleshooting steps mentioned in the article. Remember to add an engaging introduction and conclusion to the article before finalizing it.

Fix 3: Change DNS Server Settings Manually

If resetting the DNS settings didn’t resolve the “DNS server not responding” issue, you can manually change the DNS server settings on your computer. Follow these steps:

1. On Windows:
   • Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type “Control Panel”. Open the Control Panel from the search results.
   • In the Control Panel, locate and click on “Network and Internet”.
   • Under the Network and Internet section, click on “Network and Sharing Center”.
   • In the Network and Sharing Center, click on “Change adapter settings” on the left-hand side.
   • You will see a list of network connections. Right-click on the network connection you are currently using (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet) and select “Properties”.
   • In the Properties window, scroll down and locate “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”. Select it and click on the “Properties” button.
   • In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties, select the option “Use the following DNS server addresses”.
   • Enter the preferred DNS server address. For example, you can use Google DNS by entering “8.8.8.8” in the Preferred DNS server field.
   • Optionally, you can also enter an alternate DNS server address. For example, you can use “8.8.4.4” as the Alternate DNS server.
   • Click on “OK” to save the changes and then restart your computer for the new DNS settings to take effect.
2. On Mac:
   • Click on the Apple menu at the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences”.
   • In the System Preferences window, click on “Network”.
   • On the left-hand side, select the network connection you are using (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
   • Click on the “Advanced” button at the bottom right corner of the window.
   • In the Advanced settings, navigate to the “DNS” tab.
   • Click on the “+” button to add a new DNS server address.
   • Enter the preferred DNS server address. For example, you can use Google DNS by entering “8.8.8.8” in the DNS server field.
   • Optionally, you can also add an alternate DNS server address. For example, you can use “8.8.4.4” as the alternate DNS server.
   • Click on “OK” and then “Apply” to save the changes.
   • Restart your Mac for the new DNS settings to take effect.

After manually changing the DNS server settings, check if the “DNS server not responding” error is resolved. If the issue persists, you can try other troubleshooting steps mentioned in the article. Remember to add an engaging introduction and conclusion to the article before finalizing it.

Read more: DNS_Probe_Finished_Nxdomain: Fix in Chrome, Windows, Mac, Android

Fix 4: Update Network Adapter Drivers

Outdated or faulty network adapter drivers can sometimes cause issues with DNS server responsiveness. To fix this, you can update the network adapter drivers on your computer. Follow these steps:

1. On Windows:
   • Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type “Device Manager”. Open Device Manager from the search results.
   • In the Device Manager window, expand the category for “Network adapters”.
   • Right-click on your network adapter and select “Update driver” from the context menu.
   • Choose the option “Search automatically for updated driver software”. Windows will search online for the latest driver updates and install them if available.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update process.
   • After the driver update is complete, restart your computer.
2. On Mac:
   • Click on the Apple menu at the top left corner of your screen and select “System Preferences”.
   • In the System Preferences window, click on “Network”.
   • On the left-hand side, select the network connection you are using (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
   • Click on the “Advanced” button at the bottom right corner of the window.
   • In the Advanced settings, click on the “Hardware” tab.
   • Make a note of the “Model” and “Vendor” information for your network adapter.
   • Open a web browser and visit the website of the network adapter’s vendor.
   • Look for the “Downloads”, “Support”, or “Drivers” section on the vendor’s website.
   • Locate the appropriate driver update for your network adapter model and download it.
   • Follow the instructions provided by the vendor to install the driver update.
   • Restart your Mac after the driver update is complete.

After updating the network adapter drivers, check if the “DNS server not responding” error is resolved. If the issue persists, you can try other troubleshooting steps mentioned in the article. Remember to add an engaging introduction and conclusion to the article before finalizing it.

Fix 5: Use a DNS Troubleshooting Tool

If you’re still experiencing the “DNS server not responding” issue despite trying the previous fixes, you can utilize a DNS troubleshooting tool to diagnose and resolve the problem. Follow these steps:

1. Choose a DNS Troubleshooting Tool: There are various DNS troubleshooting tools available online. Some popular options include DNS Benchmark, DNS Jumper, and Namebench. Research and select a tool that suits your needs.
2. Download and Install the Tool: Visit the official website of the chosen DNS troubleshooting tool and download the latest version compatible with your operating system. Follow the provided instructions to install the tool on your computer.
3. Launch the Tool: Once the tool is installed, launch it on your computer. Most DNS troubleshooting tools have a user-friendly interface that guides you through the process.
4. Scan for DNS Servers: Use the tool’s scanning feature to analyze the available DNS servers. The tool will test the responsiveness and performance of different DNS servers, providing you with a list of the most reliable and fast-performing options.
5. Select Preferred DNS Servers: Based on the scan results, select one or more preferred DNS servers from the provided list. These servers should have a strong track record of reliability and speed.
6. Change DNS Settings: On your computer, navigate to the network adapter settings, as explained in the previous fixes. Update the DNS server addresses manually with the preferred DNS servers you obtained from the tool’s scan.
7. Save and Apply Changes: Save the updated DNS settings and apply the changes. Restart your computer to ensure the new DNS settings take effect.

By using a DNS troubleshooting tool, you can identify alternative DNS servers that are known for their reliability and performance. This can potentially resolve the “DNS server not responding” issue and improve your overall browsing experience.

Remember to add an engaging introduction and conclusion to the article before finalizing it.

Fix 6: Power Cycle Your Network Devices

If you’re still facing the “DNS server not responding” issue, performing a power cycle on your network devices can help resolve any lingering connection problems. Follow these steps:

1. Power Off Your Devices: Start by turning off your computer, router, and modem. Locate the power buttons on each device and press them to shut down the devices completely.
2. Disconnect Power Cables: Once the devices are powered off, unplug the power cables from the back of the router and modem. If there are any additional network devices connected, such as switches or access points, disconnect their power cables as well.
3. Wait for a Few Minutes: Allow a few minutes for the devices to fully power down. This time frame will ensure that any residual electrical charge dissipates and the devices completely reset.
4. Reconnect Power Cables: After the waiting period, reconnect the power cables to the router and modem. Make sure the connections are secure and the cables are plugged in properly.
5. Power On Your Devices: Start by powering on your modem first. Wait for it to fully initialize and establish a stable connection. Then, power on the router and any other network devices you disconnected.
6. Wait for the Devices to Restart: Give your devices a few minutes to restart and establish connections with each other. This process may take some time, so be patient.
7. Test the Internet Connection: Once your devices have restarted, power on your computer and check if the “DNS server not responding” issue is resolved. Open a web browser and try accessing different websites to ensure your internet connection is working correctly.

Performing a power cycle on your network devices helps refresh the connections and clears any temporary glitches that may be causing the DNS server to become unresponsive. This fix often resolves connectivity issues and allows for a smoother browsing experience.

Remember to add an engaging introduction and conclusion to the article before finalizing it.

Fix 7: Reset Your Router to Factory Settings

If all previous fixes have failed to resolve the “DNS server not responding” issue, you can try resetting your router to its factory settings. This step will revert the router’s configuration to its original state and can help eliminate any persistent configuration issues. Here’s how to do it:

1. Locate the Reset Button: Find the small reset button on your router. It is typically located at the back or bottom of the device. You may need a pin or paperclip to press and hold the button.
2. Power Off Your Router: Before performing the reset, ensure that your router is powered off. Unplug the power cable from the router and wait for a few seconds.
3. Press and Hold the Reset Button: Press and hold the reset button using a pin or paperclip. While holding the button, plug the power cable back into the router.
4. Continue Holding the Reset Button: Keep holding the reset button for about 10-15 seconds or until you notice the router’s lights blinking or changing.
5. Release the Reset Button: After the specified time, release the reset button. The router will now restart and return to its factory default settings.
6. Reconfigure Your Router: Once the router has finished restarting, you’ll need to reconfigure it. This involves connecting to the router’s web interface using a computer connected via Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set up your router again, including configuring the wireless network, security settings, and any additional features you had previously set up.
7. Test the Internet Connection: After reconfiguring the router, test your internet connection by opening a web browser and accessing various websites. Check if the “DNS server not responding” issue is resolved.

Resetting your router to factory settings should clear any persistent configuration issues that were causing the DNS server to become unresponsive. It provides a fresh start for your router’s settings and can often resolve connectivity problems.

Remember to add an engaging introduction and conclusion to the article before finalizing it.

Fix 8: Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If none of the previous fixes have resolved the “DNS server not responding” issue, it may be necessary to contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for further assistance. Here’s what you can do:

1. Gather Information: Before contacting your ISP, gather relevant information about the issue. Note down the error message, any specific websites that are not loading, and the troubleshooting steps you have already tried. This information will help the ISP diagnose the problem more effectively.
2. Contact ISP Support: Look for the contact information of your ISP’s customer support. This information can typically be found on your ISP’s website, billing statements, or customer service documentation. Reach out to their support team through the provided channels, such as phone, email, or live chat.
3. Describe the Issue: When speaking with the ISP’s support representative, explain the “DNS server not responding” issue and provide them with the details you gathered. Be clear and concise in your explanation, mentioning any relevant troubleshooting steps you have already taken.
4. Follow ISP’s Instructions: The ISP’s support representative may guide you through additional troubleshooting steps specific to their network infrastructure. They may also remotely check the connection or escalate the issue to a technical team for further investigation.
5. Ask for a Technician Visit: If the issue persists and cannot be resolved remotely, ask the ISP if they can send a technician to your location for further diagnosis. The technician will assess the network connection, inspect any physical infrastructure, and perform necessary repairs or adjustments if required.
6. Consider Alternative ISPs: If your current ISP is unable to resolve the issue or if the problem is persistent, you might want to explore alternative Internet Service Providers in your area. Research and compare the available options to find a reliable provider with good customer reviews and a track record of providing stable internet connections.

By reaching out to your ISP for assistance, you can get expert help in resolving the “DNS server not responding” issue. They have the knowledge and tools to diagnose and fix network-related problems that may be causing the DNS server unresponsiveness.

Remember to add an engaging introduction and conclusion to the article before finalizing it.

Preventing DNS Server Not Responding Issues

1. Keep Your Router Firmware Up to Date: Regularly check for firmware updates provided by your router’s manufacturer and ensure that your router is running the latest version. Updated firmware often includes bug fixes and performance improvements that can help prevent DNS server-related issues.
2. Use Reliable DNS Servers: Instead of relying solely on your ISP’s default DNS servers, consider using public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220). These public DNS servers are known for their stability and can provide a more reliable DNS resolution.
3. Avoid Overloading Your Network: Excessive network traffic can overload your router and lead to connectivity issues, including DNS server problems. Be mindful of the number of devices connected to your network and avoid bandwidth-intensive activities when experiencing slow internet speeds.
4. Secure Your Network: Implement strong security measures for your network, including setting up a secure password for your Wi-Fi network and enabling encryption protocols such as WPA2. This helps prevent unauthorized access and potential DNS hijacking attempts that can disrupt DNS server functionality.
5. Regularly Clear DNS Cache: Clearing your DNS cache periodically can prevent the accumulation of outdated or corrupted DNS information. Use the appropriate commands or tools to flush the DNS cache on your operating system.
6. Configure Firewall and Security Software: Ensure that your firewall and security software are properly configured to allow DNS communication. Adjust settings if necessary to avoid any interference with DNS server connections.
7. Maintain a Stable Internet Connection: Check your internet connection regularly for stability. If you notice frequent drops or slow speeds, contact your ISP to investigate and resolve any underlying connection issues.
8. Power Surge Protection: Use surge protectors or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units to protect your network devices, including routers and modems, from power surges. Sudden power fluctuations or outages can disrupt the functionality of your network equipment, including DNS server connectivity.

By following these preventative tips, you can reduce the likelihood of encountering DNS server not responding issues and ensure a more reliable and stable internet connection.

Remember to add an engaging introduction and conclusion to the article before finalizing it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, encountering the “DNS server not responding” error can be frustrating, but there are effective solutions available. By following the troubleshooting steps discussed in this article, such as restarting your router, flushing DNS cache, or contacting your ISP if needed, you can resolve the issue and enjoy a seamless browsing experience. Remember to keep your network devices updated, use reliable DNS servers, and implement preventive measures to minimize future disruptions. Stay proactive in maintaining a stable internet connection and secure network environment. With these steps, you can overcome DNS server issues and navigate the online world with ease.

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