[Guide] Repairing DNS Address Could Not Be Found Issues

[Guide] Repairing DNS Address Could Not Be Found Issues

/ Shayne Sherman

What Causes the Error Message: DNS Server Could Not be Found?

A DNS server could not be found error message is typically caused when a computer attempting to access an online resource can’t properly communicate with the Domain Name System (DNS) server.

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Think of the DNS server as a phonebook for the internet. It helps your computer find the correct website you want to visit by translating the website’s name into a special code called an IP address. If your computer can’t talk to the DNS server, it won’t be able to find the IP address for the website you want to visit, and you won’t be able to access it.

This problem often happens when your internet connection is weak or not working. So, if you’re trying to visit a website and it’s not loading, it could be because your computer can’t connect to the DNS server.

Several potential causes for this issue include incorrect network settings, malware on the system that alters settings, outdated router firmware, a VPN connection blocking access, or a misconfigured firewall blocking connections. It may also occur if the DNS servers used by your current provider are down for maintenance or due to another temporary outage.

In addition, ISP-specific software applications can cause DNS errors as they use their own custom set of DNS servers, which may be incorrectly configured on your computer. Suppose you experience this type of issue while using such an application. In that case, you should disable it temporarily and then restart your browser to see if that helps resolve the issue.

How to Fix DNS Address Could Not be Found

Delete Files in the “Etc.” Folder

If the DNS address cannot be found when you search for a specific webpage on the device via your browser (google chrome), then try to scrap off some load from the server DNS folder. In this context, deleting extra files in the DNS server addresses folder, usually termed as an, etc. folder, can resolve the error.

Here are the steps to follow for facilitating the DNS server to track back the IP addresses.

Step 1: Launch file explorer from the Windows main menu and reach Drive C.

open local disk c

Step 2: In drive C, type Windows\System32\drivers\etc In the search tab to directly reach the folder. Click enter to continue.

system32 drivers folder

Step 3: Once in the etc. folder, select all targeted files, i.e., in case you want to select all items of the folder, then simply click Ctrl + A on the keyboard. Now, right-click and select the option of delete from the context menu. Gain click delete in UAC to confirm the action. Click yes to confirm the action.

delete all contents

Step 4: Restart the device and head to the browser to check if the preferred DNS server can be found.

Edit Hosts File

In some cases, if host files in Drive C get modified by any chance, it is possible that this would lead to the server DNS address not being found. In this context, reverting the host files to default settings would help resolve the error. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the Run utility via the keyboard’s Windows key +R shortcut keys. In the run command box, type C:\windows\system32\drivers\etc and click ok to continue.

run system32 drivers etc folder

Step 2: In the host file folder, navigate to the option of host file and open it in notepad, selecting from the context menu.

open host file

Step 3: In the notepad window, select all the lines containing 127.0.0.1 clients2.google.com and right-click to select delete from the context menu. Once deleted, save the host file from the options file in the header menu.

clients2 google in host file

Clear Google Chrome’s Host Cache

If the DNS address cannot be found via Google Chrome, the host cache may be either complete or corrupted, leading to an error. In this context, clearing Google Chrome’s host cache can fix the server DNS address that could not be found error on the device; here is how you can perform the action.

Step 1: Launch google chrome on the device, and in the search bar, type chrome://net-internals/#dns. It will launch the DNS settings window.

Step 2: In the next step, navigate to the option of DNS in the left pane and click the button to clear host cache. It will remove all cache for a particular DNS of the webpage. Hence, leading to the fixation of DNS server address error.

clear host cache button

Change DNS Server

The server DNS address could not be found error may arise due to a bad internet connection that stops loading a particular webpage. DNS servers are assigned automatically via ISp or networking setup. Hence, changing the DNS server settings can help to resolve the error. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch settings from the Windows main menu. Type settings in the taskbar’s search box and double-click the list option to launch the menu. In the settings menu, select the option of network and internet

search settings option

Step 2: In the next window, select the option of change adapter options

change adapter options

Step 3: In the next step, right-click the network connection option and select properties from the context menu. 

Step 4: Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) in the properties section. Again right, click the option and select properties

ipv4 properties

Step 5: In the option of Preferred DNS box, enter the particular address, i.e., 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4. Click ok to apply and save changes.

reconfigure dns settings

Flush the DNS

Clearing all the DNS cache from the DNS folder for a particular webpage can fix the server DNS address that could not be found error. Quick fix action can be performed via the command prompt. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the Run utility via the keyboard’s Windows key+ R shortcut keys. In the run command box, type cmd and click ok to continue.

control find cmd

Step 2: In the command prompt, type ipconfig/flushdns and click enter to continue. It will flush all DNS cache to resolve the error message.

ipconfig flushdns

Renew Your IP Address

Resetting or renewing the TCP/IP address can also help o fix the server DNS address that could not be found in the error message. Changing the IP will assign a new DNS to the targeted webpage, helping to load the page without any potential error. This action can be performed via command prompt with all administrative privileges. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the Run utility via the keyboard’s Windows key+ R shortcut keys. In the run command box, type cmd and click ok to continue.

control find cmd

Step 2: Type the following command lines in the command prompt and click enter after each line.

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /all

ipconfig /flushdns

ipconfig /renew

netsh int ip set dns

netsh winsock reset

ipconfig release renew

Restart the DNS Client Service

If the DNS client is not responding, it may also lead to the DNS server not finding the address error. In this regard, stopping and restarting the DNS client service from the Windows services utility can help fix the error. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the Run utility from the Windows key+ R shortcut keys. In the run command box, type services.msc and click ok to continue. It will launch Windows services.

run services msc

Step 2: In the Windows services menu, navigate to the option of DNS client service and right-click it to select stop from the context menu.

dns client service

Step 3: Wait for 5 mins and right-click the DNS client service to select Start from the context menu.

start dns client service

Update the Network Adapter Driver

Updating the outdated network adapter driver on the device can also resolve the error in the DNS address that could not be found. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Launch the device manager by right-clicking the main menu.

windows search device manager

Step 2: Select the network adapters option in the device manager window. A list of all adapters will appear on the screen.

network adapter update driver

Step 3: Select the driver tab, and select the option of update drivers. Select the method of update, i.e., search automatically for drivers to update the driver or browse my computer for drivers to select the new driver file already present on the device. Repeat the process for all network adapters available on your device.  

search automatically for network adapter

Strengthen Your Network Connection

A strong network connection ensures you don’t lose connection with your DNS server. A DNS server is responsible for translating domain names into IP addresses, making accessing websites on the internet easier. To ensure that your network connection remains stable and secure, there are several steps you can take.

One of the best things you can do is to update your router’s firmware. This will ensure that the router is running the latest version of its software and provides better security protection for your network. Updating the firmware will help identify potential weak points or vulnerabilities within the router’s settings that malicious hackers could exploit.

You should also check for any available wireless security settings on your router that can help protect your network from unauthorized access. Common options include WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). Using these options will encrypt data traveling over the wireless connection, making it harder for anyone without permission to access its contents.

Another option to consider is a virtual private network (VPN) to secure your device’s connection when accessing sensitive information over public networks such as public Wi-Fi hotspots. VPNs route internet traffic through a private tunnel, encrypting data before it leaves your device and allowing you to surf anonymously without worrying about being tracked or monitored online.

If you cannot improve your overall network connection performance, you may consider switching service providers or upgrading your current plan. Doing this can often provide faster speeds, resulting in fewer connectivity issues when connecting with a DNS server and accessing other online services or websites.

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Frequently Asked Questions About DNS Address Could Not Be Found Error Message

How do I reconnect to DNS server addresses?

On Windows, go to the Network and Sharing Center, select Change Adapter Settings, right-click Local Area or Wi-Fi connection (depending on which one you’re connected to), open Properties, click Internet Protocol Version 4 (or higher), click Properties, select Use the following DNS server addresses, and then enter the new IP address of the DNS server.

Why am I disconnected from the DNS server?

You may be disconnected from the DNS server for a few reasons. If your internet connection is unstable or too slow, it can cause a disruption in the connection between your computer and the DNS server. This can be caused by faulty hardware or software on either side and incorrect settings on the router or server.

Why are my IP addresses not responding?

When it comes to IP addresses not responding, one of the most common issues is that the addressing scheme has become corrupted or changed. This can happen either through manual changes made by the network administrator or due to software errors that cause address assignments to get confused.

What is a DNS server?

A DNS Server stands for Domain Name System, which translates domain names – such as www.example.com – into IP addresses that computers and other devices on the internet can read. Without a DNS Server, web browsers would have to remember long strings of numbers to access websites.

Is it secure to change DNS servers?

Yes, it is secure to change DNS servers. While there may be certain risks involved with changing your DNS server, the benefits vastly outweigh any potential security issues. Switching to a more reliable and secure DNS server can help protect your privacy online and make browsing the internet faster and smoother.

How do I fix the server DNS address?

Using a static IP address, you should ensure the DNS address is configured correctly in your router’s settings. If it isn’t, you must set a static IP and then manually configure the DNS address. If you use DHCP, ensure the server is configured correctly to provide a valid DNS address.

How do I reconnect to DNS servers?

You can do this by running the command “ipconfig” in the Windows Command Prompt. Once you have your IP address, you can then enter it into the DNS server settings of your router or modem. Depending on the type of device you’re using, this may involve accessing its web interface or command line interface.

Can I use an alternate DNS server?

Yes, you can use an alternate DNS server. The Domain Name System (DNS) is the system that translates a domain name into an IP address. It enables computers to communicate with each other and access the Internet. When you type in a website address (e.g., www.abcde.com), your computer queries a DNS server to get the IP address of the website.

What is DNS service?

DNS is a service that translates domain names into IP addresses. This allows computers to communicate with each other and access the internet. It is like an address book for the internet, containing information about all websites and their associated IP addresses.

Do network connections affect DNS servers?

Yes, network connections can certainly affect DNS servers. When a user tries to access a website, the browser sends a request asking for the IP address of the domain name they want to visit. This request is sent to an assigned DNS server; if that server doesn’t answer quickly or at all, it can cause problems.

What is a flagged network adapter driver?

A flagged network adapter typically has some fault with how it processes your network. Typically this means a bad adapter driver due to a lack of updates or corruption. You can fix this problem by updating your drivers and resetting them.

How often can I change my DNS server address?

Generally speaking, you can change your DNS server address as often. However, it is recommended to do so only when necessary. Changing the address too frequently may lead to connectivity issues and decreased performance.

Shayne Sherman
Meet the author

Shayne is an expert on all things Microsoft Windows and computer security. As a Windows user of over 30 years, he has been featured on Business Insider, Yahoo, Tech Republic, Hacker Noon, Techopedia, and many other publications. Aside from entertaining at his home theater, he enjoys spending time with his family, including his English bulldog, Fergie.