Along with the introduction to our own Free DNS Lookup Tool, we sometimes might hit a snag with failed DNS lookup – like hitting a red light on the internet highway. Most web problems start here. This article shows you ways to handle failed DNS lookup, from easy fixes to more steps.
Keep reading and fix that red light!
Key Takeaways
- Check your internet to make sure you are connected. Restart your modem or router if needed.
- To fix common DNS issues, clear your DNS cache by using command prompt steps. This refreshes data to reach websites.
- Change your DNS server to a faster one like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) for better speed and reliability.
- If facing problems, turning off and then on your modem or router can often solve the issue quickly.
- Always start with simple fixes before moving onto more complex steps when dealing with failed DNS lookups.
Check Your Internet Connection
Let’s talk about your internet connection. It might seem obvious, but a weak or no connection is often why DNS lookups fail. First, make sure you’re connected to the internet.
Try opening a web browser and visit any website. If the page doesn’t load, there’s likely an issue with your internet service provider (ISP) or router.
Always check if other devices can connect to the internet. This helps figure out if the problem is with just one device or your whole network.
Restarting your modem or router can also help solve connectivity issues. Just unplug it for about 30 seconds and then plug it back in. Wait a few minutes for it to start up completely before trying to access the web again.
Clear Your DNS Cache
After checking your internet connection, the next step is to clear your DNS cache as free up your disk space. This can solve common DNS issues by refreshing the data your computer uses to reach websites.
- Open command prompt: On Windows, press the “Windows” key, type “cmd,” and hit enter.
- Type command: In the command prompt window, type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press enter.
- Wait for confirmation: The system will process this command. Soon, you should see a message saying “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache.”
- Try accessing websites again: After clearing your DNS cache, check if you can now reach websites without errors.
This simple action removes old and possibly corrupted data that could prevent DNS lookups from working right. Clearing your DNS cache helps ensure that your computer has the latest IP addresses for websites you want to visit.
Change Your DNS Server
Changing your DNS server can speed up your internet and solve dns lookup fail. It’s like picking a faster line at the grocery store.
- Find Settings on your computer.
- Click on Network & Internet.
- Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection.
- Select your network and go to its properties.
- Scroll to find IP settings and click Edit.
- Pick Manual and turn IPv4 on.
- Enter a new DNS server address. Google’s is 8.8.8.8 for primary, 8.8.4.4 for secondary.
- Save changes and close the window.
- Restart your browser to use the new DNS server.
This switch helps you reach websites faster by using a more efficient path online.
Restart Your Router or Modem
Sometimes your internet acts up because your router or modem needs a quick reset. This simple step can solve many DNS lookup errors.
- Find the power button on your device. It’s usually at the back.
- Press it to turn off your router or modem.
- Wait for about 30 seconds. This waiting period clears the device’s memory.
- Turn the device back on by pressing the power button again.
- Wait for all the lights to come back on and stabilize. This could take a couple of minutes.
- Test your internet connection by trying to visit a website or doing a quick ping test.
This process often fixes DNS server problems and helps get your internet running smoothly again.
Conclusion
Fixing failed DNS lookup is not hard. You just need to try a few steps. First, check your internet. If that’s okay, clear your DNS cache or pick another DNS server. Sometimes, turning off and on your router works too.
Just keep it simple and follow these tips to solve the problem fast.
