How to fix DNS resolution issues

DNS servers assist your computer in locating websites and loading them in the correct format. The “DNS Server Not Responding” message is something no website owner wants to see. In the event that the DNS server stops responding, you will not be able to access any website or application.  

This is one problem that needs immediate attention. Let’s go over solutions to this problem so you can fix DNS resolution issues quickly. 

Solutions for fixing DNS resolution issues

When a DNS server isn’t responding it could be the result of any number of issues. Below are common DNS issues and how you can fix them. 

Flush your DNS cache

You should clear your DNS cache in case that’s the issue. To remove the cache, execute ipconfig /flushdns at the command prompt.

Reboot your small office/home DNS router

Most home and small office routers have their DNS servers set to their own IP addresses and forward DNS requests to their Internet service provider’s DNS servers via a DHCP service.

It’s possible for both your router and your local computer to contain incorrect network information, such as the IP addresses of DNS servers. You can do a DHCP release and renew the router’s WAN interface with the ISP to guarantee that the router uses the most up-to-date DNS server information. If you want the most up-to-date information, a simple reboot of the router might be the way to go.

Check the suffix of your DNS

You might be connecting to a host without utilizing the FQDN and relying on the DNS suffix for assistance. This is the case if you’re syncing up a local host on a DNS server that your computer belongs to. In this case, the DNS suffix will be used and needs to be checked.

Turn off Windows’s peer-to-peer feature

If you’re using Windows and the “DNS Server Not Responding” error message persists after you’ve disabled your firewall and any secondary connections, it could be the peer-to-peer (P2P) feature. Please take note that this feature is unique to Windows 10. The function helps limit the amount of data your smartphone downloads. In essence, it allows you to grab a Windows update once and then use it to disperse or share the new build with all the machines on your LAN.

To turn off these features, you must: 

  • Go to settings (gear icon) > Update & Security.
  • Choose ‘Delivery Optimization’ from the drop-down menu that appears in the window to the left.
  • Click the switch labeled “Allow downloads from other PCs” to turn it off.

Once you’re done, restart your device and try to access the website again. If it still doesn’t load the problem exists outside of the P2P feature.

Verify the DNS server status

No client-side changes will help if the DNS server is genuinely stuck, down, or wrongly configured. It’s possible to avoid the malfunctioning server, but you won’t be able to fix it. Therefore, you or the administrator in charge of the DNS server will need to verify the server’s current status and settings.

Final word on fixing DNS resolution issues

The resolution of DNS queries is an essential component of your network infrastructure, and this component must operate as intended for your network applications to be successful. Even a small DNS issue can completely shut down your website, but at least there are solutions that will resolve problems quickly once you catch them.

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