How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Errors: Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Table of Contents
- 1 How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Errors: Complete Troubleshooting Guide
- 2 What is a DNS Server and Why Does it Stop Responding?
- 3 Advanced Troubleshooting for Windows Systems
- 4 DNS Troubleshooting for Mac Systems
- 5 Mobile Device DNS Troubleshooting
- 6 DNS Server Error Codes and Solutions
- 7 Router-Level DNS Troubleshooting
- 8 Comparing Public DNS Alternatives
- 9 Common DNS Misconceptions
- 10 Preventative DNS Maintenance
- 11 DNS Configuration Checklist for Different Environments
- 12 Client Testimonials
- 13 Conclusion: Ensuring DNS Reliability
Introduction
Many of you have likely encountered the ‘DNS server not responding’ error when trying to connect to the internet, which causes network connectivity problems. This problematic situation blocks your access to websites, email send/receive processes, and online services. This is where HostingRaja, with over 10 years of experience in web hosting, has delivered solutions to 1,000+ clients to resolve DNS-related issues. Follow this guide for effective troubleshooting steps to quickly restore your internet connection and get back online. We’re here to help you resolve connectivity issues and ensure a smooth browsing experience.
What is a DNS Server and Why Does it Stop Responding?
Common Causes of DNS Server Not Responding Errors:
- Network connectivity issues between your device and DNS servers
- Router configuration problems affecting DNS resolution
- ISP DNS server outages or maintenance
- Incorrect DNS settings on your device
- Firewall or antivirus software blocking DNS queries
- Outdated network drivers causing communication failures
- Malware infections disrupting normal DNS operations
- DNS cache corruption on your local device
- Restart Your Device and Router
- Power off your computer, wait 30 seconds, and restart
- Unplug your router, wait for 1-2 minutes, then reconnect it
- This simple step clears temporary network configurations that might be causing issues
- Check Your Internet Connection
- Verify that your device is properly connected to your network
- Test if other devices on the same network can access the internet
- If all devices are affected, the problem likely lies with your router or ISP
- Disable VPN Temporarily
- VPNs can sometimes interfere with DNS resolution
- Turn off any VPN services to check if they’re causing the problem
Advanced Troubleshooting for Windows Systems
| Flush DNS Cache and Reset TCP/IP | Configure DNS Servers Manually | Disable Windows Firewall Temporarily |
|---|---|---|
| DNS cache stores previous lookups, but this cache can become corrupted over time. | Setting up reliable public DNS servers can bypass problems with your ISP’s DNS: | Sometimes your firewall may block DNS queries: |
|
ipconfig /flushdns ipconfig /registerdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew netsh winsock reset After running these commands, restart your computer to apply the changes. |
Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center Click on your connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) > Properties Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” > Properties Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” Enter preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS) Enter alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS alternate) Click OK to save changes |
Type “Windows Defender Firewall” in the search bar Click “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” Select “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall” for both private and pubpc networks Test your connection, and if it works, reconfigure your firewall to allow DNS traffic |
DNS Troubleshooting for Mac Systems
| Reset DNS Cache on macOS | Configure DNS Settings on Mac |
|---|---|
|
Open Terminal and enter the following command based on your macOS version: For macOS Big Sur, Monterey, and newer: sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder For older macOS versions: sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder |
Go to System Preferences > Network Select your active connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) Click “Advanced” > DNS tab Click “+” to add new DNS servers Add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google DNS) or 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare DNS) Click OK and Apply |
Mobile Device DNS Troubleshooting
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > Private DNS
- Select “Private DNS provider hostname”
- Enter “dns.google” for Google DNS or “one.one.one.one” for Cloudflare
- Save changes and test your connection
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi
- Tap the “i” icon next to your connected network
- Scroll down to “Configure DNS”
- Select “Manual” instead of “Automatic”
- Remove any existing servers and add 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
- Tap Save and test your connection
DNS Server Error Codes and Solutions
| Error Code | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN | Domain does not exist or cannot be resolved | Check for typos in the URL or try a different browser |
| DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG | Network configuration issue | Reset TCP/IP stack and router settings |
| DNS_PROBE_POSSIBLE | Intermittent DNS issue | Wait and retry or switch to public DNS servers |
| SERVER_NOT_FOUND | DNS cannot resolve the hostname | Check internet connection and DNS settings |
| ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED | Chrome cannot resolve the domain name | Clear browser cache and cookies, check DNS settings |
Router-Level DNS Troubleshooting
| Reset Router DNS Settings | Update Router Firmware |
|---|---|
|
Outdated router firmware can cause DNS resolution problems:
|
For businesses that cannot afford DNS downtime, HostingRaja offers comprehensive hosting solutions with built-in DNS redundancy:
- Dedicated servers with premium DNS management for maximum reliability
- Cloud hosting with distributed DNS infrastructure to prevent single points of failure
- Advanced DNS clustering on our server solutions to ensure continuous operation
A large e-commerce client experienced recurring DNS failures during peak shopping hours, resulting in significant revenue loss. Our technical team identified that their previous host was using a single DNS server configuration without proper failover mechanisms.
After migrating to HostingRaja’s dedicated server solution with distributed DNS:
- DNS resolution time improved by 68%
- Zero DNS-related outages in 12 months
- 99.99% uptime achievement
- 43% increase in customer retention due to improved site reliability
Comparing Public DNS Alternatives
| DNS Provider | Primary | Secondary | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google DNS | 8.8.8.8 | 8.8.4.4 | Fast, reliable, well-maintained | Data collection concerns |
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 | 1.0.0.1 | Privacy-focused, fastest speeds | Newer service, less history |
| OpenDNS | 208.67.222.222 | 208.67.220.220 | Parental controls, phishing protection | Some premium features require payment |
| Quad9 | 9.9.9.9 | 149.112.112.112 | Security-focused, blocks malicious domains | May block legitimate sites occasionally |
Common DNS Misconceptions
| Misconception | Reality |
|---|---|
|
Clearing browser cache fixes all DNS issues |
While clearing your browser cache can help with some DNS-related errors, it won’t resolve issues with your DNS server or network configuration. |
|
All DNS servers perform equally |
DNS servers vary significantly in speed, reliability, and security features. Enterprise-grade DNS services (like those included with HostingRaja’s dedicated servers) offer superior performance and redundancy. |
|
DNS changes are instant |
DNS propagation can take anywhere from a few minutes to 48 hours, depending on TTL (Time To Live) settings and caching by various network devices. |
Preventative DNS Maintenance
Implement these practices to avoid future DNS issues:
- Regularly update your network equipment firmware
- Maintain at least two DNS servers for redundancy
- Monitor DNS performance with tools like DNSPerf or Pingdom
- Implement proper TTL settings for your domain records
- Create a backup DNS configuration for emergency situations
- Personal Use:
- Set up reliable public DNS servers
- Regularly restart routers (monthly)
- Check for router firmware updates quarterly
- Small Business:
- Configure secondary DNS provider
- Document DNS settings for quick recovery
- Implement basic DNS monitoring
- Consider managed DNS services
- Enterprise:
- Deploy geographically distributed DNS servers
- Implement DNSSEC for enhanced security
- Establish automated DNS health checks
- Create DNS incident response procedures
- Consider dedicated server solutions with premium DNS management
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KINGSTON AJITH
Senior Content Writer @ HostingRajaA seasoned Senior Content Writer with over 5 years of experience in the tech industry, specializing in web hosting. Passionate about creating unique, high-quality content for articles, blogs, and web pages. As a dedicated learner, continually improving writing skills and overseeing all online content and communications to ensure quality and consistency.
DNS Configuration Checklist for Different Environments
Client Testimonials
After struggling with intermittent connection issues for months, HostingRaja’s technical team identified an obscure DNS configuration issue with our network. Their solution not only fixed the immediate problem but improved our overall network performance.” —— Rahul M., E-commerce Site Owner
After struggling with intermittent connection issues for months, HostingRaja’s technical team identified an obscure DNS configuration issue with our network. Their solution not only fixed the immediate problem but improved our overall network performance.” —— Rahul M., E-commerce Site Owner
Conclusion: Ensuring DNS Reliability
DNS server issues can range from minor inconveniences to major business disruptions. By following this troubleshooting guide, you can quickly identify and resolve most DNS problems.
For businesses that depend on consistent internet connectivity, investing in premium hosting solutions with robust DNS infrastructure is essential. HostingRaja’s dedicated servers and cloud hosting services provide enterprise-grade DNS management with multiple layers of redundancy to ensure your online presence remains uninterrupted.
Remember that preventative maintenance is the best approach to DNS reliability. Regularly updating your network equipment, monitoring DNS performance, and having backup DNS configurations in place will help you avoid unexpected downtime and maintain a seamless online experience for your users.