How to Repair DNS Server Not Responding
Are you frustrated by the “DNS server not responding” error message that constantly appears on your computer? This issue can prevent you from accessing the internet and can be quite irritating. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many users encounter this problem, and there are several ways to fix it. In this article, we will discuss the steps you can take to repair a DNS server not responding issue.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
The first step in resolving the “DNS server not responding” error is to ensure that your internet connection is working properly. Sometimes, this error can be caused by a weak or unstable internet connection. To check your connection, try opening a website on your browser. If the website loads, then the issue is likely not with your internet connection.
2. Restart Your Router and Modem
If your internet connection is working fine, the next step is to restart your router and modem. This can help clear any temporary glitches that might be causing the DNS server not responding error. To do this, simply unplug your router and modem from the power source, wait for a few seconds, and then plug them back in.
3. Use a Different DNS Server
If restarting your router and modem doesn’t fix the issue, you can try using a different DNS server. By default, your computer uses the DNS server provided by your internet service provider (ISP). However, using a public DNS server like Google DNS or OpenDNS can sometimes resolve the problem. To change your DNS server, follow these steps:
1. Open the Control Panel on your computer.
2. Click on “Network and Sharing Center.”
3. Click on “Change adapter settings” on the left side of the window.
4. Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties.”
5. Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click on “Properties.”
6. Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the following DNS server addresses:
– Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
– Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
7. Click “OK” to save the changes and restart your computer.
4. Reset Your Network Settings
If changing your DNS server doesn’t work, you can try resetting your network settings to their default values. This will clear any custom settings that might be causing the problem. To reset your network settings, follow these steps:
1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: `netsh winsock reset catalog`
3. Restart your computer.
5. Update Your Network Drivers
Outdated or corrupted network drivers can also cause the “DNS server not responding” error. To ensure that your drivers are up to date, visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your network adapter. Once downloaded, install the drivers and restart your computer.
6. Perform a System Restore
If none of the above steps work, you can try performing a system restore to a point before the error started occurring. This will revert your computer’s settings to a previous state, which might resolve the issue. To perform a system restore, follow these steps:
1. Open the Control Panel and click on “System and Security.”
2. Click on “System” and then “System Restore.”
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your computer to a previous state.
By following these steps, you should be able to repair a DNS server not responding issue on your computer. If the problem persists, it’s advisable to contact your ISP or a professional technician for further assistance.
