That the dns server is responding with an error. How to fix the “DNS server is not responding” error

Sometimes users encounter a problem where the server is not responding. What to do in such a situation to get it back to work as quickly as possible? First, you should try to find out the cause of the failure, and then try to eliminate it.

Reasons why the server is not responding

Often the server does not respond due to a network problem. To resolve this, make sure that it has a working and valid network connection. First of all, you need to check the serviceability of the relevant client equipment, that is, cables and network cards. If this is all right, then you should make sure that it can contact routers or other computers that are on the same network using the ping command.

If the DNS server can be contacted through normal network checks, but it does not respond to client DNS queries, you should check to see if the DNS server is running and can respond to client queries and listen for connections. To do this you need to use the nslookup command.

It happens that the DNS server is configured to provide limited service to a certain number of configured IP addresses. And the IP address that was originally used when checking the server responses was not included in this number. In this case, you should repeat the server check, specifying a different IP address, which is among the restricted interfaces. If the DNS server responded to the request from this address, then you should add the missing IP address.

Sometimes, the reason that the server has stopped responding may be that it is using a non-standard service port. In this case, you should make sure that the DNS server is not using a non-standard configuration. If this is the case, you should investigate whether the intermediate proxy or firewall is specifically configured to block traffic through known service ports that are used for DNS. If not, then you should add a packet filter to these settings, then traffic will be allowed to standard DNS ports. In addition, you should check the DNS server event log to see if any critical 414 events have occurred, which will help indicate why the server is not responding. Now you know what to do if the server stops responding and you can fix the problem yourself. If you did not find the cause of the failure in this article, then you can ask a question about this on the official Microsoft website.

There are several main reasons for the problem when the Windows DNS server may report an error. The first, I would say the main one, is an incorrect connection on the part of the Internet connection provider. The second is in the router settings, and sometimes a simple one helps. The third is the incorrectness of the available drivers. The latter can help and fix the problem. Also, to a small extent, there may be a so-called human factor, for example, incorrect connection or malfunction of various cables (in my practice, there was a case when a certain error was caused by an imperceptibly refracted network wire).

DNS server - used to obtain the computer’s IP address, as well as to perform various tasks related to routing and Internet maintenance tasks. In this article I will tell you what to do if the DNS server does not respond and how to fix this error. Accordingly, it is initially assumed that all your connecting wires are in good condition.

Checking DNS Client Service

So, what can you do when you receive a message from the OS like, “The computer settings are configured correctly, but the device or resource (DNS server) is not responding.” The first thing you need to do is check if your DNS service (DNS client) is running. There are several ways to access services. If you have Windows 10 then go to “Start” where all the programs are (on the left), go down to the “Windows Administrative Tools” folder, and there will be an icon for launching the “Services” system utility.

For all versions of Windows, the method using the “Run” system program, hot keys Win + R, is suitable. After launching, you need to enter the words “services.msc” in the utility field, then you need to click on “ENTRER” or the “OK” button in the program window (bottom right). On the pages of the site there is an article about, those interested will find more than 140 words and phrases there.

In the "Services" window, you need to check whether the service called DNS client is running or not. If this service is disabled, you should enable it by setting the “Startup type” field to “Automatic” in the properties. At the end, you need to click on the “Apply” and “OK” buttons and then restart the computer. Although in the latest versions of Windows 10 this service is enabled and blocked by default, that is, nothing can be changed without using additional actions, I’m still writing just in case you encounter a problem in this area so that you know.

Changing DNS server addresses in IPv4 protocol properties

If everything is fine in your services, or after the changes described above in Windows, you were unable to contact the DNS server, then you should take additional steps. Namely, it is necessary to make some address changes to the properties of the IP protocol version 4 (TCP/IPv4). This section is located in the properties of your current network connection. Since I touched on the topic described in the last sentence, you may be interested in an article about several ways.

If you have the Windows 10 operating system installed, then the easiest way is to right-click on the “Start” icon on your desktop and select “Network Connections” from the list that appears. Once you are in the network status settings window, you need to find the “Configuring adapter settings” section (it is located a little lower in the “Changing network settings” section) and go into it.

Also, there is another good method with which you can immediately get to the “Network Connections” section. This method is suitable for all versions of Windows OS. It consists of using the “Run” system program, hotkeys Win + R. In the “Run” program window field, enter the word “ncpa.cpl” and click on the “OK” button at the bottom right of the utility window or “ENTER”.

In the newly opened “Network Connections” window, you need to right-click on the icon of your active network connection. Then in the menu that appears, select the “Properties” line.

Next, you will need to find the “IP version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” component, focus on this line, and double-click on it with the left mouse button. Or click on the "Properties" button located slightly lower on the right side of the window.

In the new window in the second section (the one below) the default option is “Obtain DNS server address automatically”, switch the radio button to the “Use the following DNS server addresses” option. After that, in the field next to the line “Preferred DNS server”, enter the following 8.8.8.8 - this is the address of the public DNS servers of Google Chrome. In the field opposite the line "Alternative DNS server" write 8.8.4.4 - this is the value of the alternative public addresses of the company mentioned in the previous sentence. Finally, click "OK" and close all windows.

Today I have prepared an article for you that will help you solve one fairly common error that confuses even fairly advanced users: DNS server is not responding.

In this article, I will talk about the reasons for this error, as well as several ways to solve it. I will be waiting for confirmation from you in the comments what exactly helped you, as well as new options if anyone knows. Go!

1. What does “DNS server not responding” mean?

To proceed to troubleshooting, you need to understand what it means that the DNS server is not responding.

To understand the essence of the problem, you should know what a DNS server is. When accessing any virtual page on the network, the user gains access to a specific section of the remote server. This section contains and stores files that are converted by the browser used and presented to users in the form of a page with text, images and other information that is familiar to the visual perception of any user. Each server has an individual IP address, which is necessary to gain access. A DNS server is a functional means of comfortable and correct redirection of requests to a domain from a specific IP address.

Often the DNS server does not respond in Windows 7/10 when connecting to the network via a modem and without using a network cable, as well as for users who use another wireless Internet connection method. In some cases an error may occur after installing an antivirus.

Important! Often, users take personal interest and make changes to the modem settings, which lead to a loss of connection and an unwanted error. Therefore, it is not recommended to edit working settings unnecessarily.

2. Dns server does not respond - how to fix it?

If the user observes an error, then there are four ways to eliminate it:

. Very often it is enough to reboot the modem to fix the error. During the reboot process, the device returns to its original settings and parameters, which helps to solve the problem quickly and effectively;
  • Checking the correctness of entering addresses in the settings. To check the literacy and correctness of the DNS address, you need to go to the properties tab of “Local Network Connections”, there you need to find “Internet Protocol v4” and check the specified address. The information that must be indicated in this field must be in the contractual connection documents. You can also find out the server address from your provider by contacting him by phone or other means;
  • Updating drivers for the network card. The problem can be solved by changing the provider and in some other situations;
  • Setting up antivirus and firewall. Modern programs that are designed to protect data and information on a PC from viruses and fraudulent activities can block access to the network. It is necessary to carefully review the settings of such programs.
  • To correct an error with a greater probability, it is necessary to consider specific situations in detail. This is what we will do below.

    2.1. On Windows

    There are several possible solutions to the problem listed in the table.

    Way Procedure
    It is recommended to disconnect the device from power or use the power off button, if provided in the configuration, and wait about 15 seconds. After the time has elapsed, you must turn on the device again.
    Using the Command LineYou should call the command line from the PC administrator. To do this, click on “Start”, then find and click on “Search programs and files” and write cmd. After these steps, a program shortcut will appear. You should right-click on it and select “Run as administrator.” Then you should type and execute certain commands, after entering each command you must press the enter key:
    • ipconfig /flushdns
    • ipconfig /registerdns
    • ipconfig /release
    • ipconfig /renew
    Checking settings and optionsYou need to visit the control panel and find “Network and Sharing Center...”. This subsection contains information about the network. You should select the connection you are using, then right-click the computer mouse and select “Properties”. A new window will open for the user, in which you need to select in turn:
    • Protocol (TCP/IPv6);
    • Protocol (TCP/IPv4).
    Then you need to click on “Properties”. You should check the boxes next to the items: obtain a DNS server and IP address automatically. When checking the settings, you must be very careful and take into account the information specified in the agreement with the provider, if any. This method only helps if there is no specific address specified by the provider.

    You can enter the addresses provided by Google, which, in the opinion of the search engine itself, help speed up the loading of web pages: 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4.

    3. DNS server does not respond: TP-link router

    Most modern users use TP-link routers and devices. Error DNS server is not responding can be eliminated in several ways:

  • Reboot;
    Checking settings;
    It is necessary to re-enter the settings according to the instructions included with the router.
  • Attention! Some, especially inexpensive TP-link models, have lost parameters. In this case, you should follow the setup instructions that come with the device and enter the data and DNS addresses specified in the contract and provided by the provider.

    It is better to set the basic settings on the TP-link router, unless otherwise specified in the agreement with the provider.

    4. DNS server does not respond (Beeline or Rostelecom)

    All of the listed methods for eliminating the error are designed to assume that it is the user who has the problem. But practice shows that in most cases, problems arise with the provider for a number of reasons, such as technical faults.

    For this reason, if an error occurs, you should not rush, but wait a while: during this period, you can reboot the computer and router without touching any settings. If the situation has not changed, it is recommended to contact representatives of the provider company and tell about the current problem, providing the specialist with the data he requires: contract number, last name, IP address or other information. If the problem arose with the Internet connection service provider, he will report this and tell you the approximate time frame for eliminating the problem. This is especially true for Internet owners from the Rostelecom company (I myself am one of them, so I know what I’m talking about). Very useful numbers:

    • 8 800 302 08 00 - Rostelecom technical support for individuals;
    • 8 800 302 08 10 - Rostelecom technical support for legal entities.

    If the problem did not arise with the provider, then a company specialist can, in some cases, help the user solve it by giving competent advice or recommendations.

    The problem of permanent unavailability of DNS servers (English Domain Name System), unfortunately, continues to persist in the Belarusian segment of the World Wide Web. The DNS technology itself is necessary for the correct interaction of the computer browser and Internet resources with a specific domain name and zone.

    Example: our website has a domain name
    hpc and domain zone.by On the Internet, the resource is accessible by IP address (the address may change dynamically) 178.172.148.88

    In order for the computer browser to easily find our site, there is a DNS service that, when asked for the name https://site/, issues a machine-readable address 178.172.148.88.

    Modems are configured in such a way that they automatically receive DNS from the provider's servers. It happens that servers (or ADSL modems themselves) do not work entirely correctly or are very slow ().
    When running troubleshooting, the following message appears:

    A problem has been detected. The DNS server is not responding.




    The situation looks like this.
    In the system tray (notification area near the clock): a network icon with an exclamation mark. At the same time, there is money on the provider’s balance sheet; The computer (laptop) is working fine. This problem also occurs on the popular HUAWEI HG532e ADSL modem. Sometimes a given device begins to work correctly only after it is restarted.

    When running the ping command: only a blinking cursor is visible.

    To resolve a DNS issue:

    1. check whether the DNS client service is running on the computer;
    2. We switch to public DNS from Google.

    You can check the DNS client service this way:

    On the computer, press WIN+R (Windows icon on the keyboard). In the window that appears, type the command services.msc. A complete list of services will appear, find the DNS client. We check the startup type - Automatic, Status - running. OK. If that’s the case, let’s move on….no? Let's fix it.

    Next we switch to public DNS from Google

    This completes the manual setup of your computer to work with Google Public DNS. It is possible to make all the mentioned settings automatically, by pressing a couple of buttons using special utilities.

    Automatic configuration of DNS servers

    They will help you select the fastest and most stable DNS servers automatically (without using manual configuration).

    This software can automatically test the speed of servers from a predefined list, and also apply all settings with the click of one button.

    They can be used to select the fastest DNS servers based on your location; use as a filter for parental control and cutting off sites with viruses when surfing - the so-called Safe (Family) Home Internet.

    Today I have prepared an article for you that will help you solve one fairly common error that confuses even fairly advanced users: DNS server is not responding.

    In this article, I will talk about the reasons for this error, as well as several ways to solve it. I will be waiting for confirmation from you in the comments what exactly helped you, as well as new options if anyone knows. Go!

    1. What does “DNS server not responding” mean?

    To proceed to troubleshooting, you need to understand what it means that the DNS server is not responding.

    To understand the essence of the problem, you should know what a DNS server is. When accessing any virtual page on the network, the user gains access to a specific section of the remote server. This section contains and stores files that are converted by the browser used and presented to users in the form of a page with text, images and other information that is familiar to the visual perception of any user. Each server has an individual IP address, which is necessary to gain access. A DNS server is a functional means of comfortable and correct redirection of requests to a domain from a specific IP address.

    Often the DNS server does not respond in Windows 7/10 when connecting to the network via a modem and without using a network cable, as well as for users who use another wireless Internet connection method. In some cases an error may occur after installing an antivirus.

    Important! Often, users take personal interest and make changes to the modem settings, which lead to a loss of connection and an unwanted error. Therefore, it is not recommended to edit working settings unnecessarily.

    2. Dns server does not respond - how to fix it?

    If the user observes an error, then there are four ways to eliminate it:

    . Very often it is enough to reboot the modem to fix the error. During the reboot process, the device returns to its original settings and parameters, which helps to solve the problem quickly and effectively;
  • Checking the correctness of entering addresses in the settings. To check the literacy and correctness of the DNS address, you need to go to the properties tab of “Local Network Connections”, there you need to find “Internet Protocol v4” and check the specified address. The information that must be indicated in this field must be in the contractual connection documents. You can also find out the server address from your provider by contacting him by phone or other means;
  • Updating drivers for the network card. The problem can be solved by changing the provider and in some other situations;
  • Setting up antivirus and firewall. Modern programs that are designed to protect data and information on a PC from viruses and fraudulent activities can block access to the network. It is necessary to carefully review the settings of such programs.
  • To correct an error with a greater probability, it is necessary to consider specific situations in detail. This is what we will do below.

    2.1. On Windows

    There are several possible solutions to the problem listed in the table.

    Way Procedure
    It is recommended to disconnect the device from power or use the power off button, if provided in the configuration, and wait about 15 seconds. After the time has elapsed, you must turn on the device again.
    Using the Command Line You should call the command line from the PC administrator. To do this, click on “Start”, then find and click on “Search programs and files” and write cmd. After these steps, a program shortcut will appear. You should right-click on it and select “Run as administrator”.Then you should type and execute certain commands, after entering each command you must press the enter key:
    • ipconfig /flushdns
    • ipconfig /registerdns
    • ipconfig /release
    • ipconfig /renew
    Checking settings and options You need to visit the control panel and find “Network and Sharing Center...”. This subsection contains information about the network. You should select the connection you are using, then right-click the computer mouse and select “Properties”. A new window will open for the user, in which you need to select in turn:
    • Protocol (TCP/IPv6);
    • Protocol (TCP/IPv4).

    Then you need to click on “Properties”. You should check the boxes next to the items: obtain a DNS server and IP address automatically. When checking the settings, you must be very careful and take into account the information specified in the agreement with the provider, if any. This method only helps if there is no specific address specified by the provider.

    You can enter the addresses provided by Google, which, in the opinion of the search engine itself, help speed up the loading of web pages: 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4.

    3. DNS server does not respond: TP-link router

    Most modern users use TP-link routers and devices. Error DNS server is not responding can be eliminated in several ways:

    Attention! Some, especially inexpensive TP-link models, have lost parameters. In this case, you should follow the setup instructions that come with the device and enter the data and DNS addresses specified in the contract and provided by the provider.

    It is better to set the basic settings on the TP-link router, unless otherwise specified in the agreement with the provider.

    4. DNS server does not respond (Beeline or Rostelecom)

    All of the listed methods for eliminating the error are designed to assume that it is the user who has the problem. But practice shows that in most cases, problems arise with the provider for a number of reasons, such as technical faults.

    For this reason, if an error occurs, you should not rush, but wait a while: during this period, you can reboot the computer and router without touching any settings. If the situation has not changed, it is recommended to contact representatives of the provider company and tell about the current problem, providing the specialist with the data he requires: contract number, last name, IP address or other information. If the problem arose with the Internet connection service provider, he will report this and tell you the approximate time frame for eliminating the problem. This is especially true for Internet owners from the Rostelecom company (I myself am one of them, so I know what I’m talking about). Very useful numbers:

    • 8 800 302 08 00 - Rostelecom technical support for individuals;
    • 8 800 302 08 10 - Rostelecom technical support for legal entities.

    If the problem did not arise with the provider, then a company specialist can, in some cases, help the user solve it by giving competent advice or recommendations.