Are you having trouble accessing websites and receiving the error message “Server DNS Could Not Be Found”? If so, you’re not alone. This frustrating error can happen to anyone, and it’s important to understand what it means and how to fix it.
DNS, or Domain Name System, is a critical part of how the internet functions. It’s what allows your computer to connect to websites using easy-to-remember domain names like “google.com” instead of confusing numerical IP addresses. When your computer encounters a “Server DNS Could Not Be Found” error, it means it’s having trouble connecting to the website you’re trying to reach.
But fear not – there are several common causes of this error, and most of them can be easily resolved. In this article, we’ll explain what the error message means, explore some of the most common causes, and provide step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting and resolving the issue. So let’s get started!
Understanding DNS Errors
The Domain Name System (DNS) is responsible for translating domain names into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. However, DNS errors can occur when this process fails. A DNS error such as “server DNS address could not be found” means that your device is unable to connect to the website’s IP address.
There are different types of DNS errors that can occur, such as server not found or connection timed out. These errors can happen for a variety of reasons, including issues with your device, network settings, or the website’s server. Understanding the root cause of the error can help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue more effectively.
One common reason for DNS errors is a misconfigured network. Your device may be unable to connect to the website’s IP address due to problems with your router, modem, or network settings. Additionally, the website’s server may be down or experiencing high traffic, which can cause DNS errors for users attempting to access the site.
Another possible reason for DNS errors is malware or viruses on your device. Malicious software can interfere with your device’s network settings and cause issues with DNS resolution. It’s important to regularly scan your device for viruses and malware to prevent these types of issues.
What is DNS and How Does it Work?
DNS, or Domain Name System, is the technology that translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing computers to communicate with each other over the internet. It’s like the phonebook of the internet, matching website names with their corresponding addresses.
When you enter a website address into your browser, the DNS server will look up the IP address associated with that domain name. It then sends that IP address back to your browser, allowing it to connect to the website’s server and load the page you requested.
The DNS system is distributed across many servers around the world, making it a robust and reliable system for translating domain names into IP addresses. It operates using a hierarchical structure, with top-level domains such as .com, .org, and .net at the top and more specific domains below them.
Understanding how DNS works is important when troubleshooting DNS errors, as it helps you pinpoint where in the process the error might be occurring.
Why Do DNS Errors Occur?
Incorrect DNS settings: If your DNS settings are incorrect or outdated, it can result in errors when trying to connect to websites or servers.
Network connectivity issues: DNS errors can also occur due to network connectivity issues. This can be caused by a weak or intermittent internet connection, firewall settings, or other network-related issues.
Malware and viruses: Malicious software such as viruses or malware can modify your DNS settings or interfere with your internet connection, resulting in DNS errors.
Domain name server issues: DNS errors can occur due to issues with the domain name server itself. This can include overloaded servers, server downtime, or server misconfiguration.
Common Causes of DNS Errors
Misconfigured DNS Settings: One of the most common causes of DNS errors is a misconfigured DNS server. This can occur when a server is not properly set up to handle DNS requests or when DNS records are incorrectly configured.
Network Connection Issues: Another cause of DNS errors is network connection issues. This can include problems with routers, switches, firewalls, or other network devices that may be blocking DNS traffic or preventing DNS requests from reaching their destination.
Malware and Security Threats: Malware and security threats can also cause DNS errors by modifying DNS settings, redirecting DNS requests, or blocking access to DNS servers. These threats can be particularly challenging to identify and remove, so it is important to have a robust security strategy in place.
Domain Name Registration Issues: Finally, domain name registration issues can also cause DNS errors. This can happen if a domain name is not properly registered or if the domain registration has expired. In some cases, domain registrars may also have issues with their own DNS servers, which can lead to DNS errors for all domains registered with them.
Incorrect DNS Server Settings
If your DNS server settings are incorrect, you may encounter the DNS error message. Incorrect DNS server settings can be caused by several issues, such as manually inputting incorrect IP addresses or server names, or using outdated DNS server settings.
To avoid this issue, ensure that your DNS settings are correctly configured. You can do this by checking your network settings or by contacting your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to verify the correct DNS server settings.
If you have manually input your DNS server settings, double-check that you have entered the correct IP addresses or server names. You can also try resetting your DNS settings to their default configuration, which may resolve the error.
Network Connectivity Issues
Another common cause of DNS errors is network connectivity issues. These can occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Problems with your router: Your router may be experiencing issues that prevent it from connecting to the internet or communicating with your devices. This can lead to DNS errors.
- Firewall settings: Firewalls can block incoming and outgoing connections, including those necessary for DNS resolution. Make sure your firewall settings are properly configured.
- Malware and viruses: Malware and viruses can infect your computer and interfere with your network connectivity, leading to DNS errors.
- ISP issues: Your internet service provider (ISP) may be experiencing network issues, preventing you from accessing the DNS server.
If you suspect that network connectivity issues are causing your DNS errors, try restarting your router or modem. You can also contact your ISP to check for any known network issues in your area.
How to Troubleshoot DNS Errors
If you’re experiencing DNS errors, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the issue. Here are some helpful tips:
Check your internet connection: A poor internet connection can lead to DNS errors. Make sure your internet connection is stable and strong.
Clear your browser cache: Sometimes, the DNS errors can be caused by a corrupted cache. Clearing the browser cache can help solve the issue.
Flush your DNS cache: Flushing your DNS cache can also help resolve DNS errors. You can do this by running a command prompt and typing in “ipconfig/flushdns”.
Disable your firewall or antivirus software temporarily: Sometimes, the firewall or antivirus software can block the DNS requests, leading to DNS errors. Disabling them temporarily can help solve the issue.
Change your DNS server: Finally, if all else fails, try changing your DNS server. You can try using public DNS servers like Google’s DNS or Cloudflare’s DNS.
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
Step 2: Type the command “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter.
Step 3: Wait for the confirmation message that the DNS cache has been cleared.
If clearing the DNS cache does not resolve the issue, try changing your DNS server settings or resetting your router. In some cases, the DNS error may be caused by a more complex network issue, and you may need to contact your internet service provider for further assistance.
Preventing DNS Errors in the Future
Regular Maintenance: It is important to regularly maintain your DNS server to ensure that it is functioning optimally. This can include monitoring the server for errors, applying updates and patches, and optimizing the DNS configuration.
Use a Reliable DNS Service: If you are experiencing frequent DNS errors, consider switching to a more reliable DNS service. Look for a provider with a proven track record of uptime and reliability.
Implement Redundancy: Implementing redundancy can help prevent DNS errors from occurring. This can involve using multiple DNS servers or implementing secondary DNS servers as a backup.
Regularly Update Your DNS Settings
DNS settings play a crucial role in internet connectivity, and regular updates are necessary to prevent DNS errors. To update your DNS settings, you need to visit your router or network settings and look for DNS settings. Alternatively, you can use third-party DNS services such as Google DNS or OpenDNS. It is essential to choose a reliable DNS service provider that offers a fast and secure connection to prevent DNS errors. Regular updates ensure that your DNS server has the latest information and security features.
Updating your DNS settings can also prevent security threats such as phishing attacks and malware infections. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated DNS settings to redirect users to malicious websites. By updating your DNS settings regularly, you ensure that your network is protected from such attacks.
In addition to regular updates, it is essential to follow best practices for securing your network, such as using a strong password for your router, enabling WPA2 encryption, and disabling remote management. By taking proactive measures to secure your network, you can prevent DNS errors and other security threats.
Expert Tips for DNS Error Resolution
Use an alternate DNS server: If your primary DNS server is experiencing issues, try switching to a secondary DNS server to see if that resolves the issue.
Check for malware or viruses: Malware and viruses can cause DNS errors, so make sure to scan your computer for any potential threats using a reliable anti-virus software.
Disable IPv6: Some users have reported that disabling IPv6 in their network settings has resolved DNS errors. It’s worth a try if you’re still experiencing issues after trying other troubleshooting steps.
Restart your router: Sometimes the issue can be with your router. Try restarting it to see if that resolves the DNS errors.
Contact your ISP: If you’ve tried all of the above steps and are still experiencing DNS errors, it’s possible that the issue is with your internet service provider. Contact them to see if they can provide any assistance or resolve the issue on their end.
Restart Your Router
If you are experiencing DNS errors, a simple solution to try is to restart your router. Sometimes routers can become overwhelmed or overloaded, causing them to malfunction or drop connections. Restarting the router can help clear out any issues and reset the connection.
To restart your router, simply unplug it from the power source and wait about 30 seconds before plugging it back in. Allow the router to fully reboot before attempting to connect to the internet again.
If you have a modem/router combination device, you may need to restart both the modem and router to fully resolve any DNS issues.