DNS Server Not Responding Error Windows 7/8/XP/Vista – FIXED : Yesterday While working on my Desktop Computer I faced a very strange and annoying issue with my Internet Connectivity while trying to connect to Internet and access some webpages. I was unable to access some webpages always ending up facing Run Diagnostics Tool to check the cause and Troubleshooter to fix this issue but every time the Troubleshooter displays a message “You computer appears to be correctly configured, but the device or resource (DNS server) is not responding.” and was unable to rectify the problem.Most surprising all my torrent downloads were running absolutely fine and even most of the pages were opening perfectly without any issues.Nothing was working for me even Windows System Restore failed to fix the issue until I found a perfect permanent solution for the issue that I am going to share with you altogether with all the other possible solutions that you may try because it is not always sure that if one solution works for me then the same will work for you so it is better that you should proceed with trying the below given fixes step by step until your issue is fixed but before that it is better that you should get familiar with what actually is this error and what is the cause of such DNS Server Not Responding Error as that will help you to understand the whole issue in a better way.
Reasons for “DNS Server Not Responding Error”
There are several possible reasons associated with such kind of error and it is sometimes difficult to know which one is exactly causing the issue so it is better that you should follow all the given fixes step by step carefully and check periodically if the issue is resolved or not.
- If the issue is with just 1-2 websites then there are chances that the server hosting those sites is down.
- If the issue is very broad and over 80% sites are affected then there might be some problem either with your DNS Configuration or your router (rare though)
Important – If you have any extra device or another system, laptop or mobile anything by which you can access internet using your router then please check it because it will help you to know whether this problem is just with your system or with the router or from ISP (Internet Service Provider) end.Check the below given fixes to fix DNS Server Not Responding Error.
DNS Server Not Responding Error – Best Fixes
I am going to proceed with the simplest fixes first and then continuing with higher level fixes if the issue is not resolved.
Check Your Firewall Settings / Third Party Firewall Applications
If all your router and Internet connection is fine and all the websites are opening fine from other devices then there are great chances that there maybe something or any firewall application that might be blocking your internet connection to those pages so make sure to check your Default Windows Firewall and Antivirus Firewall settings.
Reset your IP / Flush DNS / Reset Winsock Settings
There are often cases where such DNS issues are easily resolved by clearing the DNS Resolver cache i.e Flush DNS and reseting IP and Winsock settings so just follow the below given instructions.
- Open your Command Prompt CMD and Run it As Administrator
- Type netsh int ip reset c:\resetlog.txt and Hit ENTER
Note – This will reset your IP settings
- Type netsh winsock reset and Hit ENTER
Note – This will reset your winsock settings
- Type ipconfig /flushdns and Hit ENTER
Note – This will flush your DNS resolver cache
That’s it now open your browser once and try visiting those pages and check whether if you are able to access them or not if not don’t worry just proceed with the following alternative fix.
Change Your DNS Server Address Settings
One way is to change your Preferred and Alternate DNS Server and to do so just proceed with the following steps.
- Go to your Control Panel -> Open Network and Internet Settings -> Change Adapter Settings
- Here Right click on local area connection and then Select properties
- Now Select Internet protocol version(TCP/IPv4) and Click on Properties
- Click on Use the Following DNS Server addresses and Fill the following
Preferred 208.67.222.222
Alternate 208.67.220.220
OR
Preferred 8.8.8.8
Alternate 8.8.4.4
That’s it now open your browser once and try visiting those pages and check whether if you are able to access them or not In most of the cases it is observed that DNS Server not responding error is fixed by Changing the DNS Server Address
Configure your Physical Address
- Open your Command Prompt CMD and Run it As Administrator
- Type ipconfig/all and Hit Enter
- Here look for your Network Adapter and note down its Physical Address for example here the Physical Address is 00-1C-C0-7B-5D-2A
- Go to your Network and Internet Settings -> Change Adapter Settings -> Right click on local area connection and then Select properties
- Click on Configure button
- Click on Advance Tab and select Network address
- Select the Radial button and Type the Physical Address that you have noted above without dashes
- That’s it restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved or not
If Still your Issue is not resolved then you need to try making some changes in your Network settings that I have mentioned below
a) Disable Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter if Present
- To Disable Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter Open your Device Manager and To Open Right Click My Computer -> Select Properties -> Select Device Manager displayed on the left hand side -> Click on View -> Show Hidden devices ->Expand Network Adapters -> Disable Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter, if present
- That’s it restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved or not
b) Disable Internet Protocol Version 6
- Go to your Control Panel -> Open Network and Internet Settings -> Change Adapter Settings -> Right click on local area connection and then Select properties -> Uncheck the box Internet protocol version(TCP/IPv6)
- That’s it restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved or not