Fixing the 'DNS Server Not Responding' Error

If you are a regular Internet user, you have probably encountered the annoying "DNS Server Not Responding" error. Nothing can be more frustrating than trying to access a weblink and encountering this error instead.

Just to provide some context, DNS stands for 'Domain Name System'. It is like a phone book of the internet that translates website names into IP addresses. When DNS server doesn’t respond, it means the server is either down or can’t be reached. Here, we will guide you through the steps to resolve the "DNS Server Not Responding" error.

Method 1: Change DNS Server

The easiest way to resolve this issue is by shifting to a different DNS server. Here's how:

On your computer, open Network and Sharing Center and then choose 'Change adapter settings.'

On the next page, right click on the active Internet connection, which can be either Local Area Connection or Wireless Network Connection.

Select Properties option and choose the Networking tab.

Under 'This connection uses the following items', locate Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and choose Properties.

Under General tab, choose 'Use the following DNS server addresses' and enter the new DNS addresses.

Finally, hit OK, close all windows and restart your computer.

Method 2: Flush DNS Cache

Though it might sound technical, flushing DNS cache is a simple procedure. Here are the steps:

Open command prompt - type 'cmd' in the run box in the Start menu.

Type 'ipconfig /flushdns' and press Enter. This command flushes and resets the content of the DNS client resolver cache.

Restart your computer and try accessing the website again.

Method 3: Restart the router

Sometimes, a simple router restart can fix the 'DNS Server not responding' issue. Unplug the router from the power source, wait for a few seconds, and then plug it back in. This might be enough to resolve the issue.

Method 4: Update Network Adapter Driver

An out-of-date network adapter driver can also cause DNS server issues. You can try updating it by accessing 'Device Manager' on your computer and finding the network adapter in the 'Network adapters' section. Right-click on it and choose 'Update Driver'.

It is essential to know that while these methods can help, they are not a surefire solution for every situation. Sometimes, the problem may reside with the website you're trying to access or your Internet Service Provider (ISP). In such cases, reaching out to the website owner or ISP can be more productive.

In conclusion, 'DNS Server Not Responding' is an error no one likes to see, but it's fairly common. Being equipped with the knowledge to troubleshoot it can save you a lot of time and frustration and keep your browsing experience smooth.