Understanding DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN
It is normal for this error to stop you from getting to certain online destinations. A domain name error occurs when the DNS cannot transform the name into an IP address, so your web browser cannot find the website. Many times, this issue arises due to trouble with your device’s DNS settings, network or because the DNS information is not up to date.
DNS acts like a phonebook for the internet, converting user-friendly domain names into IP addresses that computers use to identify each other on the Network. When DNS cannot perform this task, it results in errors like DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN. Knowing the cause of why this happens helps you fix it effectively.
A variety of factors may lead to this problem. This could occur because of incorrect DNS settings, problems with your ISP’s DNS servers or bad DNS cache information. Also, when there are conflicts between VPNs, antivirus software or similar applications, they can prevent the computer from accessing the correct DNS.
To learn what the problem is, you should look at your internet connection, your DNS entries and any special network software. Once you’ve pinpointed the reason, you can apply targeted solutions to resolve the error and regain access to the website you were trying to visit. Understanding these aspects will help you troubleshoot the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error more efficiently.
Checking Your Internet Connection
Ensuring that your device is connected to the internet properly is a key step in addressing the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. Begin by checking whether your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection is active. You can do this by looking at the network icon on your taskbar or menu bar. If you notice any issues, consider restarting your router or modem. Please turn off the device, wait for about 30 seconds, and then turn it back on.
If the problem persists, try connecting another device to the same Network to see if it encounters similar issues. If both devices have trouble connecting, the problem likely lies with your network hardware or your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Contact your ISP to check for any outages or issues on their end.
Additionally, if you’re using a wireless connection, try moving closer to your router to ensure that signal strength isn’t the issue. Interference from other devices or thick walls can weaken the signal, leading to connectivity problems.
For Ethernet connections, inspect the cable for any visible damage or wear and ensure that it’s securely plugged into both your device and the router. Sometimes, simply unplugging and replugging the cable can resolve the issue.
If you’ve recently changed any network settings, consider reverting to the previous configuration to see if that resolves the error.
Clearing the DNS Cache
Clearing the DNS cache can help resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error by removing outdated or corrupt DNS information stored on your device. The process is straightforward for Windows users: open Command Prompt and type `ipconfig /flushdns`, then press Enter. This will clear the DNS cache and prompt your device to fetch updated DNS information.
For macOS users, you can clear the DNS cache by opening Terminal and typing `sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder`, then pressing Enter. You might need to enter your administrator password to execute the command. This action forces the device to refresh its DNS records, potentially resolving the error.
If you’re using a Linux-based system, open your terminal and type `sudo systemctl restart systemd-resolved` for most modern distributions that use `systemd`. For distributions that use `nscd`, you can use `sudo /etc/init.d/nscd restart`. These commands will restart the DNS caching service, clearing the DNS cache.
It’s also a good idea to reboot your device after clearing the DNS cache to ensure all changes take effect. If you continue to experience issues, you may need to investigate further or try additional troubleshooting steps such as changing your DNS servers or resetting TCP/IP settings.
Remember that different devices and operating systems might have variations in their commands or processes, so always consult the documentation for your specific system if you encounter any difficulties.
Changing DNS Servers
Switching to a different DNS server can help resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error by providing more reliable and faster DNS resolution. To change your DNS settings, follow these steps based on your operating system.
For Windows users, navigate to the Control Panel and Network and Sharing Centre. Click on Change adapter settings, right-click your active network connection, and select Properties. Highlight Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties again. You can manually enter preferred DNS servers like Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1). After entering the new DNS addresses, click OK and close all windows.
On macOS, go to System Preferences and select Network. Choose your active network connection and click Advanced. Navigate to the DNS tab, click the + button to add new DNS server addresses, and input servers like Google Public DNS or Cloudflare DNS. Once done, click OK and Apply to save the changes.
Users on Linux-based systems can change DNS servers by editing their network configuration files or using the network manager interface, depending on their distribution. For instance, go to Settings > Network in Ubuntu, select the connection you want to configure, and edit the IPv4 settings to input the new DNS addresses.
Changing your DNS servers can provide a more reliable internet connection and potentially resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. Restart your browser or device to ensure the new DNS settings take effect.
Resetting TCP/IP Settings
Resetting your TCP/IP settings can be an effective way to resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. For Windows users, you can open Command Prompt with administrative privileges and enter the command `netsh int ip reset`. Press Enter to execute the command, resetting the TCP/IP stack to its default state. After running this command, you should restart your computer to apply the changes.
For macOS users, you can renew your DHCP lease to refresh your TCP/IP settings. Go to System Preferences, select Network, choose your active network connection, and click “Advanced.” Navigate to the TCP/IP tab and click “Renew DHCP Lease.” This will refresh your IP address and other network settings, potentially resolving the issue.
Linux users can reset their TCP/IP settings by restarting the network manager service. Open a terminal and use the command `sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager` for most distributions that use NetworkManager. You might need to consult your specific documentation for the appropriate command for distributions that use other network management services.
Resetting your TCP/IP settings can address misconfigured network settings or corrupted protocol configurations. Remember to restart your device after these actions to ensure the changes take effect. This step can often clear up underlying network issues contributing to the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.
Disabling VPN and Antivirus Temporarily
VPNs and antivirus programs sometimes interfere with DNS queries, leading to the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. To check if this is causing the issue, temporarily disable your VPN by opening the VPN application and selecting the disconnect option. For antivirus software, right-click the antivirus icon in the system tray and choose to turn it off temporarily.
After turning off these tools, try reaccessing the website to see if the error is resolved. Remember to re-enable your VPN and antivirus software after testing, as they are essential for your online security. If turning off these tools fixes the issue, you might need to adjust their settings or switch to different software that doesn’t interfere with DNS resolution.
Flushing the Hosts File
The hosts file on your device contains mappings between hostnames and IP addresses, which can influence DNS resolution. Misconfigurations or incorrect entries in this file can lead to the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.
To reset the hosts file to its default state on a Windows system, navigate to `C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc` and open the hosts file using a text editor like Notepad. Ensure the file matches the default settings, which usually only include some sample entries and a line for localhost (`127.0.0.1 localhost`).
For macOS users, the hosts file is located at `/etc/hosts`. Open Terminal and use the command `sudo nano /etc/hosts` to edit the file. Verify that the content is correct and aligns with the default configuration, including a localhost entry.
After making necessary adjustments, save the changes and close the text editor. Make sure you restart your device to make sure the changes are successful. Doing this may resolve DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN problems that occur because of errors in the hosts file.