When browsing the internet, encountering a "Website Not Found" or "DNS Server Not Responding" error can be incredibly frustrating. The issue often stems from problems related to DNS (Domain Name System) resolution, which plays a critical role in helping you access websites. DNS acts as a translator between domain names (like www.example.com) and IP addresses (like 192.168.1.1). Without DNS, you would have to remember long strings of numbers to reach websites instead of using easy-to-remember domain names.

When DNS fails, websites become inaccessible, and you may encounter errors such as “DNS server not responding” or “DNS address could not be found.” Fortunately, DNS-related issues are often fixable. In this knowledgebase, we will explore the common causes of DNS problems, how they affect your ability to browse the internet, and a range of practical solutions to get your websites loading again.

Understanding DNS and Its Role in Internet Connectivity

What is DNS?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a hierarchical and decentralized naming system that translates human-friendly domain names into machine-readable IP addresses. Whenever you type a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) into your web browser, DNS servers are responsible for mapping that URL to an IP address where the website's server is located. Without this process, your device wouldn't be able to locate the website’s content, and the website would not load.

• Example: When you type www.example.com, DNS servers convert this into an IP address like 93.184.216.34, which your browser uses to reach the website.

 How DNS Works

Here’s a simplified overview of how DNS works:

1. DNS Query Initiation: When you enter a URL in your browser, it sends a DNS request to the resolver (typically provided by your Internet Service Provider).

2. Checking the Cache: The resolver checks if it has recently cached the domain name and its corresponding IP address. If it’s cached, the resolver returns the result to your browser.

3. Recursive Query: If the result is not cached, the resolver queries other DNS servers in a recursive manner, ultimately reaching the authoritative DNS server for the requested domain.

4. Response to Browser: The authoritative DNS server returns the correct IP address for the requested domain, and your browser connects to that address to load the website.

Common Causes of DNS Problems

Understanding the root causes of DNS issues is key to troubleshooting and resolving them quickly. Below are some of the most common causes of DNS errors.

 Incorrect DNS Server Settings

One of the most common reasons for a "Website Not Found" error is incorrect DNS server settings. If your device is unable to reach a DNS server or is using a server with an incorrect configuration, it won’t be able to resolve domain names into IP addresses.

• Cause: The DNS server address in your device’s network settings might be manually set to a non-functional or incorrect IP address.
• Fix: You can reset your DNS settings to automatic or configure your system to use a reliable DNS provider like Google DNS, Cloudflare, or OpenDNS.

DNS Server Outages

If the DNS server your device is trying to use is down or experiencing issues, DNS resolution will fail, and you will be unable to access websites.

• Cause: DNS servers can experience downtime due to technical problems, maintenance, or network congestion.
• Fix: Switching to a public DNS provider like Google’s (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) can resolve this issue, as they often have high availability.

 Corrupted DNS Cache

Your device, browser, or ISP may cache DNS results to speed up subsequent requests. If the DNS cache becomes corrupted (e.g., due to software bugs or outdated records), it can cause websites to fail to load.

• Cause: A corrupted or stale DNS cache can result in errors like "DNS server not responding."
• Fix: You can flush the DNS cache to clear out old or corrupted entries. This can be done on both your local device and through your router.

ISP-Level DNS Issues

Sometimes, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) may be experiencing issues with their DNS servers, which can prevent websites from loading properly.

• Cause: DNS resolution may fail if there is congestion, downtime, or misconfiguration on your ISP’s DNS servers.
• Fix: Switching to a third-party DNS provider or using your ISP's backup DNS servers can bypass this problem.

Firewall or Security Software Interference

Security software, including firewalls, antivirus programs, and VPNs, can block DNS requests, leading to issues with DNS resolution.

• Cause: Misconfigured security settings or aggressive firewalls may block DNS traffic, causing websites to fail to load.
• Fix: Disable or temporarily adjust the security software or firewall to see if it's causing the issue. Additionally, check the DNS settings within the firewall for any misconfigurations.

How to Fix DNS Problems and Restore Website Access

Below are several troubleshooting steps to resolve DNS issues that prevent websites from loading.

Restart Your Device and Router

Sometimes, DNS problems can be resolved by simply restarting your device or router. This allows the DNS configuration to refresh, clears the DNS cache, and reestablishes a new network connection.

• Fix: Power cycle both your router and device. Turn off the router for about 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Do the same for your device to refresh its network settings.

Flush the DNS Cache

Flushing the DNS cache is a common and effective solution for resolving DNS issues. It ensures that your device queries the DNS servers for fresh records, eliminating corrupted or outdated cached entries.

• On Windows:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
  3. You should see a message saying "Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache."

• On macOS:

  1. Open Terminal.
  2. Type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter.
  3. Enter your password if prompted, and this will clear the DNS cache.

• On Linux:

  1. Open a terminal window.
  2. Type sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches or sudo service nscd restart depending on your distribution.
  3. Hit Enter.

Change DNS Servers

Switching to a reliable, faster, and more secure DNS provider can often fix DNS resolution issues. Public DNS providers like Google DNS, Cloudflare, or OpenDNS are excellent alternatives to your ISP’s default DNS servers.

• Google DNS: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4
• Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1
• OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222, 208.67.220.220

To change DNS settings:

• On Windows:

  1. Open Control Panel and navigate to Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Click on Change adapter settings.
  3. Right-click on your active network connection and choose Properties.
  4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
  5. Set the DNS servers to the ones you prefer (e.g., 8.8.8.8 for Google DNS).

• On macOS:

  1. Open System Preferences and go to Network.
  2. Select your active connection and click Advanced.
  3. Go to the DNS tab and add the DNS servers you want to use.

 Disable or Adjust Firewall/Security Software

Firewalls or antivirus software may block DNS traffic or interfere with DNS resolution. Temporarily disabling these programs can help you identify whether they are causing the issue.

• Fix: Disable or adjust your firewall settings temporarily to see if the DNS issue is resolved. If using a VPN, check if the VPN’s DNS servers are functioning correctly and try connecting without it.

Check for Network Configuration Issues

Incorrect network settings on your device can cause DNS issues. Ensure that your network adapter is set to obtain DNS settings automatically unless you’ve specifically configured a custom DNS provider.

• Fix: Check your network adapter settings and make sure they are set to "Obtain DNS server address automatically" or manually input the DNS server you want to use.

Reset TCP/IP Stack

Resetting the TCP/IP stack can help resolve various internet connectivity problems, including DNS issues. This resets the network settings to their default configuration.

• On Windows:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type netsh int ip reset and press Enter.
  3. Restart your computer.

• On macOS:

  1. Open Terminal.
  2. Type sudo ifconfig en0 down to disable the network adapter.
  3. Then type sudo ifconfig en0 up to enable it again.

Test DNS Resolution Using Command Line

Testing DNS resolution can help pinpoint the source of the issue. You can use tools like nslookup or dig to query DNS servers and check if they’re responding correctly.

• On Windows:
  1. Open Command Prompt.
  2. Type nslookup www.example.com and press Enter.
  3. If the command returns an IP address, DNS resolution is working fine. If not, you may have a DNS configuration issue.

Advanced Solutions for Persistent DNS Issues

For persistent DNS problems, here are some advanced troubleshooting steps:

 Update Your Router Firmware

Outdated router firmware can cause DNS issues. Check for available updates on your router’s admin panel and apply any firmware updates.

 Use DNS Over HTTPS (DoH)

DNS Over HTTPS (DoH) encrypts DNS queries, enhancing privacy and security. You can configure DoH on your browser or device settings for more secure DNS resolution.

Check DNS Propagation for Website Owners

If you’ve recently changed DNS records for your domain, it may take time for the changes to propagate globally. Use tools like DNS Checker to see if the DNS changes have fully propagated.

Usage Field: Website Not Found – Fix DNS Problems Now

Here are some typical usage scenarios for resolving DNS-related issues that cause the "Website Not Found" error, as well as common solutions.

 How do I fix a "Website Not Found" error caused by DNS issues?

• Solution: Check your DNS settings, clear the DNS cache, or switch to a different DNS provider like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1). You may also need to flush the DNS cache on your computer or router.

 Why am I getting a "DNS server not responding" error when accessing websites?

• Solution: This error typically means that your DNS server is down or unreachable. Try restarting your router, changing your DNS settings to a public DNS provider, or checking for network connectivity issues.

How do I change my DNS settings to use a public DNS provider?

• Solution: Navigate to your network settings on your device or router. Change the DNS server addresses to something like Google’s 8.8.8.8 or Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1. This can be done via the “Network and Sharing Center” on Windows or the “Network” settings on macOS.

 What should I do if DNS resolution is slow?

• Solution: Slow DNS resolution could indicate issues with your DNS server or caching. Change to a faster DNS server (Google DNS, Cloudflare), clear the DNS cache, or check if your router’s DNS settings need adjustment.

 Can I fix DNS issues by restarting my router?

• Solution: Yes, restarting your router can often resolve DNS problems by clearing temporary configuration issues, renewing IP addresses, and resetting DNS caches.

Why does my website sometimes load, but other times show a DNS error?

• Solution: This could be a problem with DNS caching or intermittent DNS server issues. Try clearing your DNS cache and using a more reliable DNS server. You can also test your DNS with nslookup to check its resolution.

 How do I flush my DNS cache?

• Solution: To flush your DNS cache:
  • Windows: Open Command Prompt and run ipconfig /flushdns.
  • macOS: Open Terminal and run sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.
  • Linux: Run sudo systemd-resolve --flush-caches in Terminal.

Can changing the DNS server on my router fix DNS errors for all devices in my home?

• Solution: Yes, changing the DNS server on your router will affect all connected devices and will help resolve DNS issues across the entire network.

 How do I determine if DNS issues are affecting all websites or just a specific one?

• Solution: Use tools like nslookup or dig to test DNS resolution for the specific website. If other sites resolve correctly but one site doesn’t, it could be an issue with that website’s DNS records.

 Should I contact my ISP if I continue experiencing DNS issues?

• Solution: Yes, if you’ve tried all the fixes and your DNS problems persist, your ISP may be experiencing issues with its DNS servers. They can offer guidance, reset your connection, or provide an alternative DNS server to use.

Technical Issues: Website Not Found – Fix DNS Problems Now

Here are some technical issues that could lead to the "Website Not Found" error related to DNS problems.

DNS Server Downtime

• Issue: DNS servers may go down temporarily, causing websites to fail to resolve.
• Fix: Switch to a backup DNS server, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1). Alternatively, check if the DNS server is back up or contact your ISP for resolution.

 Incorrect DNS Configuration

• Issue: If your device or router is set to use an incorrect DNS server, it can result in DNS resolution errors.
• Fix: Ensure that your DNS settings are configured correctly. Set the DNS to automatic or manually input reliable DNS addresses like those from Google, Cloudflare, or OpenDNS.

 DNS Cache Corruption

• Issue: A corrupted DNS cache can prevent proper resolution, causing the "Website Not Found" error.
• Fix: Clear the DNS cache on your computer, browser, or router to resolve this issue.

 DNS Propagation Delays

• Issue: After changing DNS records for a website, it may take some time for the changes to propagate worldwide.
• Fix: Wait for 24-48 hours for full DNS propagation, or use tools like DNS Checker to monitor progress.

DNS Lookup Failure

• Issue: A failure in the DNS lookup process may prevent a website from resolving.
• Fix: Test DNS resolution using nslookup or dig commands to identify if the DNS query is failing. If it is, switch to a different DNS provider.

 DNS Server Configuration Error

• Issue: Misconfigured DNS settings on your local machine, router, or DNS provider can lead to DNS errors.
• Fix: Double-check your DNS settings, ensure your router is properly configured, and use a reliable DNS provider.

Firewall or Antivirus Blocking DNS Requests

• Issue: Sometimes, security software can block DNS queries, leading to the "Website Not Found" error.
• Fix: Temporarily disable your firewall or antivirus software to check if it is causing the issue. You can also review firewall rules related to DNS traffic.

 ISP DNS Server Issues

• Issue: If your ISP’s DNS servers are slow, down, or misconfigured, it can cause DNS errors.
• Fix: Contact your ISP to report the issue, or switch to a public DNS provider like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS to bypass the problem.

Device-Specific DNS Issues

• Issue: DNS issues might be specific to one device, such as a laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
• Fix: Restart the device, flush the DNS cache, or reset the network settings to resolve device-specific DNS errors.

 Network Connectivity Issues

• Issue: A weak or unstable network connection can prevent your device from reaching DNS servers.
• Fix: Check your network connection, reset your router or modem, and ensure that your internet connection is stable.
• Technical FAQ: Website Not Found – Fix DNS Problems Now

Here are 10 common technical questions and answers related to resolving "Website Not Found" DNS errors.

Technical FAQ: Website Not Found – Fix DNS Problems Now

 What is DNS, and why does it matter for loading websites?

• Answer: DNS (Domain Name System) translates domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses (e.g., 192.168.1.1). Without DNS, your browser wouldn't know how to find the website’s server, making it impossible to load the site.

How can I check if the DNS server is working correctly?

• Answer: You can use the nslookup or dig command to query DNS servers and check their response. If the DNS server fails to return an IP address, it’s not functioning properly.

 What is DNS cache, and why should I clear it?

• Answer: DNS cache stores previously resolved domain names to speed up future lookups. However, outdated or corrupted cache entries can cause DNS resolution issues. Flushing the cache ensures your system queries fresh DNS records.

How can I change my DNS server on Windows?

• Answer:
  1. Open the Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Click on Change adapter settings.
  3. Right-click your active network connection and select Properties.
  4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4), then click Properties.
  5. Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter a public DNS server like 8.8.8.8 for Google DNS.

 How can I change DNS servers on a macOS device?

• Answer:
  1. Go to System Preferences > Network.
  2. Select your active network connection, then click Advanced.
  3. Go to the DNS tab and add a new DNS server (e.g., 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare).

 What’s the difference between Google DNS and Cloudflare DNS?

• Answer: Both are public DNS services that are faster, more secure, and more reliable than most ISP-provided DNS servers. Google DNS (8.8.8.8) is widely used, while Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) emphasizes privacy and speed.

How do I know if my DNS server is causing slow browsing?

• Answer: Use a DNS speed test tool (like DNSPerf or Namebench) to compare the response times of different DNS servers. Slow DNS servers will result in delayed website load times.

 How can I fix DNS errors if I’m using a VPN?

• Answer: A VPN can sometimes override your DNS settings. Check if the VPN is using its own DNS servers and try disconnecting it to see if the error persists. Alternatively, set up the VPN to use a custom DNS server.

 Is it necessary to use a third-party DNS provider?

• Answer: Not necessary, but third-party DNS providers like Google DNS or Cloudflare often offer faster and more reliable DNS resolution compared to default ISP servers.

Can router DNS settings cause "Website Not Found" errors?

• Answer: Yes. If the DNS settings on your router are misconfigured or using an unreliable DNS server, it can prevent websites from loading. Updating the DNS settings on the router can.