In the world of internet-based communication, one of the most frustrating issues that users and businesses encounter is the "Server Not Found" error. This error usually occurs when a web browser fails to load a website because it cannot locate the associated server. While there are numerous potential causes for this error, one of the primary reasons is incorrect or misconfigured Domain Name System (DNS) settings.DNS is a critical component of the internet infrastructure that translates human-readable domain names (like www.example.com) into machine-readable IP addresses. Without it, your browser wouldn’t know where to find the server hosting the website you're trying to visit. Therefore, if there’s an issue with your DNS settings, whether on your local network, on your server, or with your DNS service provider, it can lead to "Server Not Found" errors.

This article delves into the various causes of DNS-related "Server Not Found" errors and provides a step-by-step guide on how to troubleshoot and fix them.

What Is a "Server Not Found" Error?

A "Server Not Found" error is a generic message displayed by a web browser when it is unable to find the server hosting a website. This can happen when:

1. DNS servers are unreachable or misconfigured.
2. The domain name cannot be resolved into an IP address.
3. DNS cache is corrupted.
4. The domain name doesn’t exist or has expired.
5. The server is down or unreachable due to network issues.

The root of the issue typically lies in DNS resolution problems. In this context, DNS serves as a phonebook for the internet—allowing your computer to find the "address" of websites. When the DNS lookup fails, you cannot access the server, resulting in the error message.

Common Causes of "Server Not Found" Errors

Before diving into fixes, it's crucial to understand the common reasons that trigger DNS-related "Server Not Found" errors:

Incorrect DNS Configuration

If your DNS settings are incorrect, your system won’t be able to resolve the domain name to an IP address. This could be due to:

• Using the wrong DNS server.
• Misconfigured DNS records on the authoritative DNS server.
• Improper DNS server settings on your local machine.

DNS Server Downtime or Unavailability

DNS servers might go offline, experience performance issues, or fail to respond due to hardware or software problems, resulting in a "Server Not Found" error. If you're using a third-party DNS provider and their servers are down, your local system will not be able to resolve the domain.

Corrupted DNS Cache

Your operating system and web browsers store DNS query results in a cache to speed up future visits to websites. However, this cache can become corrupted, leading to problems with resolving domain names and triggering the "Server Not Found" error.

Misconfigured Local Network DNS

Sometimes the problem lies within the local network’s DNS settings. If the local network is set up to use a non-functional DNS server or incorrect DNS IP addresses, users might face this error.

Expired or Incorrect DNS Records

The "Server Not Found" error can also appear if the domain name you're trying to visit is misconfigured or has expired DNS records. For instance, if the website owner doesn’t renew their domain or fails to update their DNS settings, the domain may not resolve properly.

Faulty Website Hosting

If the DNS settings are correct but the hosting server is down, it can cause a failure in resolving the domain. Even though this is not strictly a DNS issue, a non-responsive hosting server can trigger DNS-related errors in some cases.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing "Server Not Found" Errors with DNS

Now that we’ve covered the potential causes, let’s dive into practical solutions for fixing the "Server Not Found" error caused by DNS issues.

Check Your DNS Settings

The first thing you should do when facing a "Server Not Found" error is to check your DNS settings. These settings could be misconfigured either on your computer or your router.

How to Check DNS Settings on Your Computer

To verify your DNS settings:

1. On Windows:

   • Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter to open Network Connections.
   • Right-click your active network connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi), and click Properties.
   • Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
   • Ensure that Obtain DNS server address automatically is selected, or manually enter your preferred DNS server’s IP address.

2. On macOS:

   • Go to System Preferences > Network.
   • Select your active network connection and click Advanced.
   • Under the DNS tab, ensure the DNS servers are correct.

Using a Custom DNS Server

If your DNS provider is having issues, you can switch to a public DNS service. Popular public DNS services include:

• Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Primary), 8.8.4.4 (Secondary)
• Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 (Primary), 1.0.0.1 (Secondary)
• OpenDNS: 208.67.222.222 (Primary), 208.67.220.220 (Secondary)

Switching to one of these public DNS providers often improves DNS resolution speed and reliability.

Clear Your DNS Cache

As mentioned earlier, your computer and browser store DNS queries in a local cache. Sometimes, a corrupted or outdated DNS cache can lead to the "Server Not Found" error. Clearing the cache can often fix the issue.This will flush your local DNS cache and force your system to fetch fresh DNS records.

Clear Browser DNS Cache:

Sometimes, the issue may be confined to your browser's cache. You can clear the browser's DNS cache by:

1. In Chrome: Go to chrome://net-internals/#dns and click Clear host cache.
2. In Firefox: Go to about:networking#dns and click Clear DNS Cache.

 Restart Your Router or Modem

If DNS problems persist, the issue could lie with your local router or modem’s DNS configuration. Restarting these devices can resolve many DNS issues by refreshing the connection to your ISP’s DNS server.

To restart your router:

1. Power off your router/modem.
2. Wait for at least 30 seconds.
3. Power the device back on and wait for it to fully reboot.
4. Check if the DNS issue is resolved.

 Check for DNS Server Outages

If you're still encountering "Server Not Found" errors, it's possible that the DNS server you're using is temporarily down or experiencing problems. To check for outages:

• Visit websites like DownDetector to see if others are reporting DNS-related issues with your DNS provider.
• If you're using your ISP's DNS server, contact your provider to confirm whether there are any known outages or maintenance work in your area.

Verify Domain Name and DNS Records

If the DNS settings on your computer and network appear correct, the problem may lie with the domain’s DNS configuration itself. This could be due to expired records, missing records, or other misconfigurations.

How to Verify DNS Records:

1. Use a DNS Lookup Tool: Tools like MXToolbox and DNSstuff allow you to check the DNS records for a specific domain.
2. Check TTL (Time to Live): If the TTL (Time to Live) value is too high, changes to DNS records might take a long time to propagate.
3. Check for DNSSEC Issues: If your domain is using DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions), ensure that the DNSSEC records are correctly configured and propagated.

If the domain is found to be misconfigured, contact the domain registrar or DNS hosting provider to fix the DNS records.

Test DNS Resolution from Different Locations

If you're still encountering issues, it may be helpful to test DNS resolution from different locations or networks to see if the issue is local or widespread. You can do this by:

1. Using a Mobile Network: Connect to a mobile hotspot or use cellular data to check if the website loads.
2. Online DNS Testers: Use websites like Pingdom or GTMetrix to test how your website resolves from different global locations.

If the site resolves from other locations but not from your network, this confirms a local DNS issue.

Advanced Troubleshooting for "Server Not Found" Errors

For more advanced users, here are a few additional steps to troubleshoot DNS issues:

Check for Firewall or Security Software Interference

Some firewalls or security software may block DNS requests, especially if they detect suspicious behavior. Ensure that your security software or firewall is not blocking access to DNS servers. Try temporarily disabling the firewall to see if it resolves the issue.

Usage Field for "Fix Server Not Found" Errors with Correct DNS

"Server Not Found" errors are a common issue faced by both end-users and businesses. These errors occur when DNS (Domain Name System) issues prevent a web browser from accessing a website. Correcting DNS-related problems is essential for maintaining seamless internet access, particularly for organizations that rely on uptime and website availability for business operations. Below is an exploration of how DNS issues manifest in "Server Not Found" errors and how businesses can address them.

 Corporate Website and E-commerce Platforms

• Usage: Businesses that rely on corporate websites or e-commerce platforms must ensure DNS configurations are properly set to avoid downtime.
• Impact: An unresolved DNS issue, such as incorrect DNS records, can result in the failure of a website to load, directly affecting customer access, sales, and brand reputation.

 Internal Applications

• Usage: Organizations with internal DNS servers to manage corporate applications need to ensure their DNS records are correctly configured for uninterrupted access to services.
• Impact: A "Server Not Found" error in an internal network can disrupt operations, preventing employees from accessing essential tools or resources, causing downtime and productivity losses.

 Content Delivery Networks (CDN) and Global Reach

• Usage: Businesses using CDN services to distribute content across various regions depend on DNS to route traffic to the appropriate servers.
• Impact: A "Server Not Found" error due to DNS issues can affect users' ability to access content or services, damaging customer experience and potentially leading to revenue loss.

Domain Expiration or Mismanagement

• Usage: Companies managing their own domains must stay vigilant about renewals and DNS configurations to prevent domain expiration.
• Impact: An expired domain can cause a DNS failure, leading to "Server Not Found" errors, which can break email services, websites, and other critical applications.

 Remote Work Infrastructure

• Usage: For companies with remote work setups, DNS configurations must be correctly set up on both remote and local machines to ensure seamless communication.
• Impact: DNS issues can block employees from accessing servers or collaboration tools, severely hampering productivity, especially if the problem is widespread.

 Third-Party DNS Service Integration

• Usage: Many organizations rely on third-party DNS services (e.g., Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS, OpenDNS) for reliability and security.
• Impact: A misconfigured DNS setup or issues with the third-party provider can result in DNS errors, including "Server Not Found," disrupting website or application accessibility.

 DNS Server Failures

• Usage: Businesses that host their own DNS servers need to ensure those servers are operational, optimized, and redundant.
• Impact: If a primary DNS server fails or becomes unreachable, it can cause an entire network or application to be inaccessible, leading to downtime and potential data loss.

 Network Security Concerns

• Usage: Companies often face security concerns around DNS spoofing, DNS hijacking, or DDoS attacks targeting DNS infrastructure.
• Impact: A compromised DNS server can lead to users receiving the "Server Not Found" error due to incorrect redirections or DNS failures, damaging company operations or client trust.

 Client-Side Configuration Errors

• Usage: End-users accessing company websites may experience DNS-related issues due to incorrect local DNS settings or corrupted DNS caches.
• Impact: These issues can lead to frustration for clients or customers who cannot access the company website, affecting user experience and potentially causing loss of business.

DNS Propagation Delays

• Usage: After making changes to DNS records, companies may encounter a delay in DNS propagation, where new DNS configurations take time to be reflected across the internet.
• Impact: This delay can result in "Server Not Found" errors for users trying to access the site during this propagation period, potentially leading to lost traffic and sales.

Technical Issues Leading to "Server Not Found" Errors with DNS

Here’s an in-depth look at technical issues that commonly cause "Server Not Found" errors due to DNS misconfigurations:

Misconfigured DNS Records

• Issue: Incorrect DNS records, such as missing or wrong A (Address) records, CNAME records, or MX (Mail Exchanger) records, can prevent a domain from resolving to the correct IP address.
• Solution: Ensure that all DNS records are properly configured and that they point to the correct IP addresses for the domain, subdomains, and email services.

 DNS Server Unavailability

• Issue: If the DNS server is down or unreachable due to server maintenance, a network issue, or a failure, DNS queries will fail, resulting in a "Server Not Found" error.
• Solution: Check the status of your DNS provider or your own DNS server. Implement failover DNS servers for redundancy and set up alerts for downtime.

 Corrupted DNS Cache

• Issue: Local DNS cache corruption can cause your system to use outdated or invalid DNS information, leading to incorrect resolutions and errors.
• Solution: Clear the DNS cache on your device using commands like ipconfig /flushdns (Windows) or sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder (macOS) to ensure fresh DNS lookups.

 Domain Name Expiry

• Issue: If a domain name registration expires, the DNS records will stop being updated, and users will not be able to access the website, resulting in a "Server Not Found" error.
• Solution: Regularly check domain registration status and set up renewal alerts. Ensure DNS records are updated before or immediately after domain renewal.

 Incorrect DNS Server Configuration on Devices

• Issue: Misconfigured DNS settings on a device, such as incorrect DNS server IP addresses, can prevent it from resolving domain names properly.
• Solution: Verify the DNS server settings on your devices. For local networks, ensure that your router or device is set to use the correct DNS server, either manually or via automatic settings.

DNS Propagation Delays

• Issue: After making changes to DNS records, it can take time for those changes to propagate throughout the internet, leading to a temporary "Server Not Found" error.
• Solution: Wait for up to 48 hours for full DNS propagation. During this period, users may experience intermittent access issues.

 Issues with Third-Party DNS Providers

• Issue: DNS service providers like Google DNS, Cloudflare, or your web hosting provider may experience outages or technical difficulties that impact DNS resolution.
• Solution: Check the status page of your DNS provider for any known issues. You can temporarily switch to a secondary DNS provider if necessary.

 Firewall Blocking DNS Requests

• Issue: A firewall on a server, device, or network may block DNS queries, preventing the system from resolving domain names and resulting in "Server Not Found" errors.
• Solution: Check firewall settings and ensure that DNS requests (port 53) are not being blocked by the firewall.

DNS Hijacking or DNS Spoofing

• Issue: Malicious actors may compromise DNS settings, causing users to be directed to malicious servers, potentially resulting in a "Server Not Found" error.
• Solution: Secure DNS servers with DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) and use reputable DNS providers to prevent hijacking. Monitor DNS traffic for any unusual activity.

Website Server Downtime or Hosting Issues

• Issue: If the website server is down or inaccessible, it can cause DNS resolution errors, as the system cannot connect to the server.
• Solution: Verify the status of the web server with your hosting provider. Use monitoring tools to check server uptime and ensure that DNS records are pointing to an active and functioning server.

Technical FAQ for Fixing "Server Not Found" Errors with Correct DNS

Here are 10 common questions regarding "Server Not Found" errors related to DNS issues:

How can I verify if the DNS issue is on my end or with the website’s DNS?

• Answer: Use tools like nslookup or dig to check the DNS records for the domain. If DNS records resolve successfully on these tools but not on your device, the issue is likely local.

 How do I change my DNS settings to fix this error?

• Answer: Go to your network settings (either on your device or router), and manually configure the DNS server to a reliable provider like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1).

Why does my website show a "Server Not Found" error but others can access it?

• Answer: This could be due to DNS propagation delays, DNS caching on your device, or issues with your local network. Try clearing the DNS cache and testing from a different network.

 How long does it take for DNS changes to propagate fully?

• Answer: DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours. During this time, DNS records may not be fully updated across all global servers.

 How do I flush the DNS cache on my system?

• Answer: On Windows, open the Command Prompt and run ipconfig /flushdns. On macOS, use the Terminal and run sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder.

 Can a DNS provider’s downtime cause this error?

• Answer: Yes. If your DNS provider experiences downtime or issues, it can prevent domain names from being resolved correctly, causing the "Server Not Found" error.

How do I know if my DNS records are set up correctly?

• Answer: Use DNS lookup tools like nslookup, dig, or online services like MXToolbox to verify your DNS records.

 Can firewall settings block DNS resolution?

• Answer: Yes, firewalls can block DNS traffic (port 53). Check the firewall rules to ensure that DNS queries are not being blocked.

 What should I do if my website is still showing "Server Not Found" after fixing DNS issues?

• Answer: Ensure that the website’s server is running and that the DNS records point to the correct server IP address. If issues persist, contact your hosting provider for further troubleshooting.

Can changing my DNS provider fix the "Server Not Found" error?

• Answer: Yes, switching to a more reliable or faster DNS provider (like Cloudflare or Google DNS) can resolve the issue, especially if the current provider is experiencing performance problems.