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DNS Server Not Responding in Windows 7: How to Fix it

Try changing the dns server manually or updating the network drivers.

Sagar Naresh

how to solve dns server problem in windows 7

The DNS server ensures that you are able to connect to the internet and surf through it. Sadly, there have been multiple user reports regarding DNS server issues on Windows 10 .

So much so that this issue has also troubled Windows 7 users in the past. Users have been complaining about the DNS server not responding in Windows 7 error. This guide will give you a bunch of solutions that will help you resolve the problem quickly.

What causes the DNS server not to respond in Windows 7?

Here are a few reasons that could trigger the DNS server not responding in Windows 7:

How can I fix the DNS server not responding in Windows 7 error?

Before jumping to the advanced solutions, let us first go through a bunch of preliminary solutions that could help you fix the problem:

1. Change the DNS server manually

how to solve dns server problem in windows 7

how to solve dns server problem in windows 7

2. Clear DNS cache

how to solve dns server problem in windows 7

Windows 7 Update Error 80072efe [Solved]

What is event id 4769 & how to fix it, windows 7 computer freezes randomly: 5 ways to fix it, league of legends server status: when & how to check it, 3. update network drivers.

how to solve dns server problem in windows 7

Updated drivers not only bring new features on board but also get rid of the bugs and glitches present in the version that is currently installed on your PC.

Expert tip:

Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is. Click here  to download and start repairing.

While you can manually update the driver following the above steps, you can ease the process by using a dedicated driver updater tool. For this purpose, we recommend you use DriverFix .

DriverFix not only updates your drivers but can automatically scan for all of your drivers and update them for you. It can create driver backups, fix system-related issues, schedule scans, and much more.

how to solve dns server problem in windows 7

4. Perform network reset

how to solve dns server problem in windows 7

5. Run the Network Troubleshooter

how to solve dns server problem in windows 7

6. Use a different browser

Often the DNS server is not responding in Windows 7 error is associated with the browser itself. Because of some glitch or bug in the browser, it may throw up unnecessary errors.

In such a case, we would suggest you switch to a different browser and check if the problem exists there as well or not.

If you are confused about which browser to download, then we have a guide that gives a list of some of the best browsers that you can install on your Windows 7 PC .

Let us know in the comments below which one of the above solutions fixed the DNS server not responding issue.

Still having issues? Fix them with this tool:

If the advices above haven't solved your issue, your PC may experience deeper Windows problems. We recommend downloading this PC Repair tool (rated Great on TrustPilot.com) to easily address them. After installation, simply click the Start Scan button and then press on Repair All.

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How to Fix the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error on Windows and Mac

dns server not responding

You can’t visit a website without first accessing a Domain Name Server (DNS) . In the process, you might be met with a message such as “DNS server not responding.” This means that the decentralized naming systems responsible for turning hostnames into IP addresses failed to respond.

There are a variety of reasons these types of DNS errors can occur. Fortunately, most of them have simple resolutions. In fact, fixing the issue could be as easy as restarting your computer or changing web browsers.

In this post, we’ll explain what the “DNS Server Not Responding” message means and some common causes for it. Then we’ll walk you through several solutions for how to fix it, both on Windows and macOS devices.

Let’s get started!

What Does “DNS Server Not Responding” Mean?

A DNS is a naming system that takes alphanumeric domain names (or “hostnames”) and turns them into numeric IP addresses. Essentially, DNS servers act as translators .

When you input a web address into your browser , it is forwarded to a DNS server from your router, where it’s then dissolved and returned as an IP address. However, if the DNS server is unable to properly complete this name resolution process, the end result is usually a message indicating that the DNS server is not responding.

“DNS Server Not Responding” means that your browser was unable to establish a connection to the internet. Typically, DNS errors  are caused by problems on the user end, whether that’s with a network or internet connection, misconfigured DNS settings, or an outdated browser. They can also be attributed to a temporary server outage that renders the DNS unavailable.

Therefore, it’s possible that you might be able to resolve the problem simply by switching browsers. In other cases, you may need to disable connections, change DNS servers, or flush the DNS cache.

How to Fix the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error in Windows and macOS (10 Methods)

Now that you understand what this message means and are familiar with some potential causes, it’s time to get to work resolving it. Let’s take a look at ten potential ways you can fix “DNS Server Not Responding” on Windows and Mac devices.

1. Switch to a Different Browser

The first step is to troubleshoot the issue by testing your DNS connections. Fixing this problem might be as simple as switching or updating your web browser.

How Do I Switch to a Different Browser?

To do this, try accessing the web from a different browser. For example, if your default browser is Safari or Google Chrome, visit the desired website from Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge instead.

If switching browsers works, you’ll likely need to update your default browser to the latest version or uninstall and reinstall it. However, if you still see the “DNS Server Not Responding” message, you can rule out your browser as the source of the issue.

2. Start Your Computer in Safe Mode

If your operating system is not functioning properly, it can result in the “DNS Server Not Responding” error message. Therefore, you may want to try booting your Windows device in Safe Mode to see whether this resolves this issue.

Doing so will limit the files and resources used for running Windows, and can be an effective way to troubleshoot problems.

How Do I Start My Computer in Safe Mode?

To start your Windows 10 computer in Safe Mode, first select the Windows button , and then hover over the Power icon :

windows power

Next, while you’re holding down the Shift  key, select Restart :

windows restart

In the window that appears, click on Troubleshoot > Advanced . Under Advanced options , select Start-Up Settings , followed by Restart . More options will appear. You can press 4 or 5 to Enable Safe Mode  or Enable Safe Mode with Networking  respectively. Your computer will then restart in Safe Mode.

If you’re using Windows 7 or earlier, you can restart it in Safe Mode by going to Power > Restart . Then, while it’s booting up, hold down the F8 key .

The process is similar on macOS devices.

While the machine is restarting and booting up, hold down the Shift key . Once the Apple logo appears, you can release it. Your device will then start in Safe Mode.

Once your computer is in Safe Mode, try to access the website again. If there doesn’t seem to be a network connection issue, the source of the problem may be a third-party software or installation, such as an antivirus application.

3. Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus Software and Firewall

If switching browsers doesn’t resolve the “DNS Server Not Responding” issue, the next step is to temporarily deactivate your firewall . Antivirus software and firewalls are critical for safeguarding your devices, but they can sometimes cause issues that interfere with network connections.

How Do I Temporarily Disable My Antivirus Software and Firewall?

For Windows users, you can do this by going to your control panel and navigating to Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection > Manage Settings .

Mac users can find this option by navigating to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall .

Once your firewall is deactivated, try visiting the website again from your browser. If this resolved the issue, you might consider switching antivirus programs or reconfiguring the settings of your existing application. Either way, remember to reactivate your firewall once you’re done.

4. Disable Secondary Connections

If disabling your antivirus software or firewall didn’t do the trick, another potential solution is to disable any secondary connections available on your device. You want to make sure that only the connection you’re currently using is active.

How Do I Disable Secondary Connections?

To do this in Windows, type “Network connections” into the search box of your desktop taskbar. Next, click on View network connections :

view network connections 1

This will bring you to the Network Connections  page. Any connections you’re not currently using will have a red ( X ) next to them. Right-click on one, and then select Disable :

disable secondary connection

Repeat this for any other connections that are not currently active. When you’re done, restart your browser and try visiting the website again.

If you’re using a macOS, you can do this by clicking on the Apple icon, then navigating to System Preferences > Network . Your connections will be listed on the left side of the window.

macOS network settings

To disconnect or disable one, select it, and then click on the ( – ) sign at the bottom of the window.

5. Disable the Windows Peer-to-Peer Feature

If you’re using Windows, and disabling your firewall or secondary connections hasn’t resolved the “DNS Server Not Responding” error message, there’s one more option you can try: the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) feature. Note: This is something you’ll only find in Windows 10.

This feature helps preserve your device’s download bandwidth. Essentially, it lets you download a Windows update one time, then use your device to spread or share the updated version across other computers included in your local network.

Unfortunately, it can also sometimes interrupt DNS processes. Therefore, it’s worth disabling to see if this resolves the error message you’re currently facing.

How Do I Disable the Windows Peer-to-Peer Feature?

To do so, click on the  Windows icon , followed by the Settings (gear icon)  >  Update & Security :

windows settings update

In the window that opens along the left-hand side, select Delivery Optimization :

windows delivery optimization

Next to the ‘Allow downloads from other PCs’ option, toggle the switch to disable it:

windows p2p feature

When you’re done, restart your computer and try accessing the website again. If this doesn’t work, don’t worry. We still have more solutions to try.

6. Restart Your Router

The next troubleshooting step is to restart your router. Doing so will flush your router’s cache and could be the solution for resolving the “DNS Server Not Responding” message.

How Do I Restart My Router?

Most modems come with a power button that enables you to quickly power them off. After a minute or so, turn your modem back on and wait for it to re-establish a connection. Once it does, check to see whether you’re able to access the internet from your browser.

Note that sometimes simply restarting the router isn’t enough. You may want to reboot it by unplugging it entirely, and then waiting at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in and powering it on again.

7. Install Updated Network Adapter Drivers on Your Computer

Another reason you may be seeing the “DNS Server Not Responding” message is if your current Windows network adapter driver is old or outdated. If this is the case, getting a new adapter driver or updating yours may be the solution you need.

How Do I Install Updated Network Adapter Drivers?

There are a couple of ways to update your network adapter driver. One is to do it manually , which you should only do if you are at least somewhat familiar working with drivers. Alternatively, you can do it using an automated tool such as Driver Easy  or Snappy Driver Installer (SDI) :

snappy driver installer

Either of these solutions will automatically recognize your system and locate the appropriate drivers for you to use with it. We recommend this method because it eliminates the risk of human error, such as downloading or installing the wrong driver on your device.

Once you download SDI  and finish installing the updated drivers, restart your computer. Then try reconnecting to the internet, to determine whether this resolved the issue.

8. Flush Your DNS Cache and Reset Your IP

If you’ve eliminated your browser, antivirus software, and router as the source of the issue, it’s time to turn your attention to your DNS settings. As with the router cache, it may be that your DNS needs to be cleared before it can properly make a connection to the internet, or your IP might need a reset.

How Do I Flush the DNS Cache and Reset My IP?

If you’re using Windows, start by typing “cmd” into the search field along the taskbar, and then selecting the Command Prompt app:

command prompt app

In the window that opens, enter “ipconfig/flushdns” (no quotations), and hit Enter :

windows command prompt

When the process is finished, it will display a message letting you know that the DNS cache was successfully flushed. Repeat this process for the following commands:

If you’re using a Mac device, you can flush your DNS cache by opening the Terminal application (press the Command  + Space  keys, and then type “Terminal” into Spotlight). In the Terminal application window, enter the following:

Press the Enter  key. There won’t be a success message as there is on Windows devices. However, simply running this command will flush the DNS cache. For further guidance, you can refer to our full guide on how to flush your DNS cache  in Windows, Mac, and Chrome.

9. Disable IPv6

IPv6 is the latest Internet Protocol version that helps route traffic between networks and the internet. Unfortunately, it may also be behind the “DNS Server Not Responding” message you’re currently seeing.

Therefore, another potential solution to try is disabling IPv6 on your computer.

How Do I Disable IPv6?

To do this in Windows, open your Network Connections control panel , then right-click on your current connection. In the drop-down menu, select  Properties :

network connection properties 1

Under the Networking  tab of the panel that opens, scroll down until you see Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6):

ipv6 windows

If it’s selected, unselect the box, then click on OK . Refresh your browser and try connecting to the internet again.

To disable IPv6 in macOS, you first need to determine what network interface you’re using. To do this, open the Terminal application , then issue the following command:

If you want to disable IPv6 for a wireless connection, you would use the following command:

For an Ethernet connection, you would use:

Then hit the Enter  key, and refresh your browser to see if the issue is resolved.

10. Change the Default DNS Server on Your Windows Computer

Another solution you can try in order to fix “DNS Server Not Responding” in Windows is to change your default DNS server. To do this in Windows 7, 8, or 10, the first step is to access your network connection properties.

How Do I Change the Default DNS Server?

Start by clicking on the Windows button in the bottom-left corner of the task bar. In the search field, type “Network connections”, and then select View network connections  in the menu that appears:

view network connections

Next, choose the internet adapter you’re currently using (WLAN for wireless network connections or LAN for ethernet cable connections). Right-click on the internet adapter, followed by Properties :

network connection properties

In the window that opens, choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4 ), and then click on the Properties  button:

ipv4 properties

To manually assign a different DNS server address, select Use the following DNS server addresses  and input the address of an alternative server:

internet protocol DNS

For example, you can enter Google’s DNS server, which is “8.8.8.8”, under Preferred DNS server . Then you can add “8.8.4.4” under Alternative  DNS server , and hit OK .

If you’re running macOS, you can locate these settings by clicking on the Apple icon followed by System Preferences :

macos system preferences

Next, select the  Network  icon. Choose your current network, and then click on the Advanced  button:

mac network system

Under the DNS  tab, click the (+)  button next to “IPv4 or IPv6 addresses”, and hit Enter :

mac dns server

After you enter the new DNS information, click   on OK  followed by Apply . Restart your web browser, and then visit the website you were trying to access. You should find that the “DNS Server Not Responding” issue is now resolved.

Trying to access a website only to be met with a “DNS Server Not Responding” message can be both frustrating and concerning. While there are a variety of reasons this error may occur, the good news is that most have simple resolutions.

As we discussed in this article, there are ten potential solutions you can use to fix a “DNS Server Not Responding” message, in both Windows and macOS:

Suggested reading: How to Fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG Error Code . How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error Code

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How to Fix Your Windows 7 Network

Setting up and maintaining your home PC network is easier than ever before with Windows 7 –but that’s not saying much. Many networking issues still aren’t easily fixed from Windows 7’s control panels. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of common networking problems and their quick fixes.

Reset Your IP Address

If your system’s connection to a network is unreliable, or you’re getting IP address conflict error messages, try renewing your IP address. First, click on the Start button, navigate to the Command Prompt ( Start Menu, Applications, Accessories, Command Prompt ), right-click it, and select Run as Administrator from the menu. Then type ipconfig /renew , and press Enter . That should do it.

Renewing a system’s IP address using the ipconfig utility will renew its lease on an IP address and restore its connection to a network.

Flush Your DNS Cache

Whenever you type a URL into a Web browser, your PC asks your domain name service server (DNS server) to translate that URL into an IP address, and caches that information. That cache can occasionally become outdated or corrupt, which can cause Internet connection problems. To clear your DNS cache, open the Command Prompt with Run as Administrator, type ipconfig /flushdns , and press Enter.

how to solve dns server problem in windows 7

Restarting a Windows 7 system will also flush its DNS cache, but if any applications (malware, perhaps) are altering the cache, flushing manually could help.

Reset Your Broadband Modem and Router

Your broadband modem’s connection to the Internet will occasionally become unreliable, and restarting it can fix that. The same trick also occasionally works for the connection between a router and a broadband modem.

To reset your broadband modem and router, disconnect their power cables and leave the modem and router off for 30 seconds. Don’t just press the power buttons–that can occasionally put modems or routers into standby mode rather than totally killing the power. Next, reconnect the modem’s power cable to restore its power. Wait a few moments for the modem to renegotiate its connection to the Internet and establish a solid link; then plug in the router. Once the router has completely booted up, follow the steps outlined earlier to renew your system’s IP address. You should then be good to go.

Configure Wireless Security

The vast majority of wireless broadband routers available today ship with their wireless security features disabled. This makes it easy for novice users to set up a wireless network in their homes or offices, but it also leaves your network vulnerable to prying eyes.

Although the exact procedure necessary to enable wireless security will vary from router to router, in general the steps required to access the pertinent options will be similar.

Assuming your router/gateway’s IP address is 192.168.1.1 and you’re connected to the network, open a Web browser on a system that is phsyically wired to your network and type 192.168.1.1 into the address field. You’ll then be prompted to enter the necessary credentials to access your router’s configuration menus (consult the manual for your router’s default username and password if you didn’t set them yourself. And if you didn’t set them yourself, change them right away to prevent unwanted tampering).

To prevent unwanted users from accessing your wireless network, be sure to enable some sort of Wi-Fi security.

Once logged into the router, you’ll see a number of tabs or links to various control panels. Click on the Wireless tab or Wireless Security tab. On the resulting screen, you should see an area where you can set the Security Mode, with options like WEP, WPA, WPA2, and others listed. If you have relatively current wireless devices that support the standard, we recommend enabling WPA2 Personal on your home network because it offers stronger encryption that other methods. If your devices don’t support WPA2 , try WPA, or as a last resort WEP (the weakest available encryption method). You’ll then have to set the encryption type (TKIP or AES; either one is fine) and then define a wireless password or key. Make the password/key something that would be difficult to guess and include letters, numbers, and special characters. Save the settings and reboot the router; at least a basic level of Wi-Fi security should now be in place.

Open and Forward Ports

Some applications require that certain network ports be opened and forwarded to the correct PC for some of their functions to operate across the Web. Game servers are a great example: If the correct network ports aren’t opened and requests on those ports aren’t forwarded to the correct PC, inbound traffic on them will never make it through your firewall.

As always, though the exact process necessary to forward ports will vary, the steps required to access the pertinent options within any router will be similar. Check out our guide to port forwarding for more information.

In our example, incoming UDP and TCP traffic on ports 8888 – 8889 will be forwarded to the computer with IP address 192.168.1.115.

Connect your PC to the network, open a Web browser and type your router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1; check your manual to be sure) into the address field. Log in with your name and password, then find the NAT (Network Address Translation), Firewall, or Port Forwarding menu.

You’ll need to create a ruleset that tells your router which protocol to use (UDP, TCP, or both), defines the port range you want to forward, and specify to which IP address the traffic on those ports should be forwarded to. For example, if the machine running the application you are troubleshooting has an IP address of 192.168.1.115, put that string into the IP address field. Save the settings to enable the rule, then reboot the router to finish the job.

Put a System in a DMZ

Sometimes port forwarding isn’t enough and you’ll have to give a system unfettered access to the Internet. In those cases, the machine can be placed in a network DMZ, or demilitarized zone. Putting a system in a DMZ means all of its ports will be accessible from the Internet; such a situation is very dangerous, so don’t take that step unless it is absolutely necessary.

how to solve dns server problem in windows 7

Let’s assume that your router IP address is indeed 192.168.1.1 and that you’re connected to the network. Open a Web browser and type 192.168.1.1 into the address field. Log in to your router and find the NAT (Network Address Translation), Firewall, or DMZ menu (the DMZ options will be under a menu with one of those names).

When you’re on the DMZ configuration menu, you’ll need to enable the DMZ and specify the IP address of the system you’d like to place in the DMZ. Enter the IP address, save the settings, and reboot the router; that system should now be in the DMZ.

Update Network Drivers

Like any other peripheral in a Windows PC, the network controller requires drivers to operate. Those drivers tell the operating system how to use a device and occasionally need to be updated to resolve issues or add new features and capabilities.

Updating network drivers in Windows is usually done in one of three ways: through the Windows Update software, by downloading and running an executable installer, or by manually choosing a driver through Device Manager. When possible, use the first method: Updating a driver through Windows Update is easy and automatic. Unfortunately, manually installing a driver through Device Manager is a bit more complex.

If you’ve downloaded a driver for your network interface card from the manufacturer’s website and the file contains nothing but some .inf or other nonexecutable files, you’ll need to manually install it using Windows Device Manager. To do so, click on the Start button and type Device Manager in the search field. Press Enter to open the Device Mananger, find Network Adapters in the list of devices in the system, right-click on your network controller, and select Update Driver Software from the menu.

In the new window that opens, click on the Browse my computer for driver software button; then click on the Browse button and navigate to the folder where you placed the newer driver you downloaded. Click the Next button, and the driver should install automatically.

Disable or Add Exclusions to Windows Firewall

Windows 7’s built-in firewall constantly asks you to allow or deny an application’s access to your network. If you’ve mistakenly blocked an application and want to unblock it (or the other way around) you’ll have to manually change some settings in the Windows Firewall control panel.

You can block or allow a program’s access through the Windows Firewall in the Allowed Applications control panel.

Click on your Start button, type Allowed Applications in to the search field, and press Enter. In the resulting window, all of the applications installed on the system that were flagged by Windows Firewall will be listed. If there is an application communicating through the Firewall that you now want to block, click the Change Settings button at the top of the screen, then scroll through the list of programs until you find the application, and disable it from accessing the Internet over Home/Work or Public networks. Conversely, if you’d like to allow a program that was previously blocked, find it on the list, and select the appropriate boxes next to the entry.

Scan Your Network for Attached Devices

With so many connected devices now on the market, there may come a time when you want to scan your entire network to see exactly what devices have obtained IP addresses and are consuming resources. Your router may be able to check the status of connected clients, or you could use a third-party application that will more comprehensively scan an entire range of IP addresses to find and obtain information on the connected devices.

how to solve dns server problem in windows 7

Many free utilities are available that will scan a network, but we’re partial to one called Angry IP Scanner . Simply download and run the executable–the program doesn’t even need to be installed. Enter the IP range you’d like to scan, click the Start button, and a few minutes later you’ll have a list of every active IP, what the ping time was for the device, its hostname, and which ports it has open. Right-clicking on an active device in the list will reveal more details; it will also allow you to ping the IP address and connect through a Web browser or FTP client.

Diagnose Internet Connection Issues

Finally, one problem that may be beyond your immediate network: Is your Internet connection unstable–and you can’t figure out why? A couple of utilities built into Windows 7 may help. Ping and tracert (traceroute) can help you find out if your Internet issues are with your home network or with your ISP–or somewhere in between.

The ping tool can be used to continually ping an IP address to check for connectivity problems.

Performing a continuous ping on a known good website (we like to use google.com) will allow you to constantly monitor a connection and see if packets are being lost or the connection is dropping. Open a Command Prompt window ( Start, All Programs, Accessories, Command Prompt ), type ping google.com –t , and press Enter. Your system will then start continually pinging the Google website. If the connection is stable and reliable, you shouldn’t see any errors, just replies from the IP address with ping times and other data. If, however, if the connection between your PC and Google is broken for whatever reason, ping will report that there was no response from the server.

Tracert is another useful tool that will list the route and measure transit delays of packets across a network. To use Tracert, open a Command Prompt window and type tracert google.com . This will essentially map out the path from your PC to a Google server, listing the IP addresses of the servers and switches in between. Usually your packet’s first few hops will start in your home network, then go through your ISP’s network, and then eventually find their way to google.com. If the packet doesn’t make it out of your network, the problem is inside your network; if it doesn’t get past your ISP’s network hubs, your ISP probably has a network outage or equipment failure (yes, a busted Internet connection isn’t always your fault).

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Feb 23, 2023

How to Fix “DNS Server Not Responding” Error (11 Methods)

how to solve dns server problem in windows 7

The Domain Name System (DNS) helps users access websites on the internet through web browsers. It is a directory that translates domain names or hostnames into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses.

Sometimes, the web browser cannot connect to the site and shows a “DNS server not responding” error message instead. This error often happens because the DNS server fails to map hostnames to IP addresses correctly.

There are many possible reasons for this error, from misconfigured network adapters to incorrect DNS server addresses. 

This article will go over 11 potential solutions to solve the “DNS server not responding” issue on Windows and macOS. We will also explain several common causes for this error message.

What Does “DNS Server Not Responding“ Mean?

The “DNS server not responding” error message means that the DNS of the domain you want to reach is unavailable or your browser cannot connect to the internet. Possible fixes include restarting your router or modem, checking for network issues, and updating your browser.

DNS servers play an essential role in accessing web addresses online. With the proper DNS configuration, the server automatically retrieves an IP address whenever a user enters a URL into a browser.

The “DNS server not responding” error usually lies on the user’s end. Often, there is no need to get technical support to fix this error. It is generally easy to find its cause and resolve it immediately.

Fixing this issue can be as simple as troubleshooting your network problems or connecting with a different device. However, there are occasions when you need to disable IPv6 or update the network adapter driver. 

To get the right solution, you must first find the reason behind the “DNS server not responding” error.

how to solve dns server problem in windows 7

DNS Server Not Responding Explained in Video Tutorial

Too busy to read? Find out how to fix the “DNS server not responding error” in this video.

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How to Fix DNS Server Not Responding Error

Now let’s take a more in depth look at the above mentioned methods on how you can fix the “DNS server not responding” issue.

1. Troubleshoot Network Problems

Running network diagnostics is the first step to fix “the DNS server isn’t responding” error. This method can help diagnose and troubleshoot all detected network issues and errors without much hassle.

Here’s how to run network diagnostics for both Windows and Mac computers.

Run Windows Network Diagnostics

Follow the steps to run network diagnostics on Windows 10:

Run the troubleshooter option in the network and internet settings in Windows

Configure Wireless Diagnostics on Mac

Here’s how to run wireless diagnostics on macOS:

Wireless diagnostics settings in Mac

If this method does not fix DNS servers problem, proceed to the next step.

2. Connect With a Different Device

Try connecting a different device to the same home network and access the site you’re having trouble with.

If the second device can access the web page using the same network, then the problem is with your primary device.

However, if you still can’t visit the website with other devices connected to the same network, it could suggest that your router might be the issue.

Using other connections such as mobile data can also help ensure that the connection failing issue is not on the site’s end.

3. Switch to Another Web Browser

Another simple solution to try when solving the “DNS server not responding” issue is to visit the website from a different web browser .

For instance, if your primary browser is Mozilla Firefox , try to access the web page from other browsers such as Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome .

If this method turns out to be fruitful, then update your default browser to the newest version or reinstall it completely. However, if the “DNS server not responding” message appears once again, the browser is not the source of the connection problem.

4. Restart PC in Safe Mode

An operating system that isn’t correctly working can result in the “DNS server not responding” error message.

To figure out whether this problem makes the DNS server unavailable, you’ll need to restart your computer in safe mode – a stripped-down version of your operating system that can limit the files and resources used for running your device.

Here are steps to start a computer in safe mode on Windows:

If you’re using a Mac, here’s how to start up your computer in safe mode:

If your network connection works in safe mode, it means that third-party software might be causing the “DNS server not responding” issue. To resolve this, you’ll need to find and delete the application from your PC.

5. Restart Modem or Router

A modem or router that isn’t properly functioning can also be the cause as to why a DNS server isn’t responding and connection is failing.

Therefore, consider restarting your modem or router to clear the cache, potentially fixing the DNS servers problem.

Press the power button of your router or modem and unplug its power cable from the power outlet. Wait for at least 30 seconds before pressing the power button again to restart it.

If restarting your modem or router doesn’t work, try to reset it to its default settings. Check the instruction manual of the device for steps to reset your modem or router.

6. Deactivate Antivirus and Firewall

Antivirus and firewall programs aim to protect your device from malicious software. However, these tools can also block your internet connection.

Attempt to temporarily deactivate your antivirus and firewall programs to check whether or not they’re the cause of the “DNS server is not responding” error.

To access the antivirus and firewall settings on Windows, select the Start menu and click Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Security -> Virus & threat protection .

Windows security settings window - choose virus and threat protection

If you use a Mac computer, go to System Preferences -> Security & Privacy -> Firewall .

Screenshot of Mac system preferences illustrating how to turn off Firewall

After deactivating your antivirus and firewall programs, rerun the network diagnostics and open the website again from your browser.

If this solves the problem, update or reconfigure the antivirus and firewall programs before reactivating them.

7. Disable Other Connections

Another solution to resolve the “DNS server not responding” issue is to disable unused connections on your device .

Follow these steps to disconnect additional network connections on Windows:

Screenshot of Control Panel Network and Sharing Center in Windows where you can change adapter settings

Here’s how to disable other network connections on Mac:

Screenshot of network settings in Mac

After disabling all unused connections, restart your browser and try re-accessing the website.

8. Change the DNS Server Address

If the website cannot be accessed after the previous solutions, try to change your DNS server address .

Your home network is configured to obtain a DNS server address automatically from your internet service provider (ISP) . However, if your ISP’s DNS server isn’t responding, the configured DNS server is incorrect or does not exist, the internet service will stop working as well.

To temporarily resolve this problem, change your DNS settings and use a different DNS address. Doing so allows your browser to be still able to load any websites on the internet.

Fortunately, many services such as Cloudflare and Google Public DNS offer DNS addresses to use for free.

To set up other DNS servers on Windows, follow these steps:

Screenshot of Windows Network Connections showing a drop down menu that highlights the properties button

Screenshot of Internet Protocol version 4 configurations in Window

Here are the steps to change the DNS server address on Mac:

Screenshot of Mac advanced network DNS window

Reset your internet connection and see if “the DNS server isn’t responding” problem is resolved.

9. Flush DNS Cache

Another solution in order to fix DNS servers connection issues is to flush the DNS cache . Clearing the router cache might help make the DNS work properly.

Here are the steps to flush DNS cache files on Windows:

Screenshot of the confirmation message in Windows Command Prompt

The steps to flush DNS cache files on Mac are also relatively simple, but it’s crucial to run the correct command prompt based on your current operating system version.

On your Mac, open the Terminal by pressing F4 and entering the “terminal” in the Launchpad’s search box.

Once the app is opened, run the command that suits your version of macOS.

On macOS Big Sur , enter the following command:

To flush DNS cache on macOS Catalina , run this in the command prompt:

Run this command to clear your DNS cache on macOS Mojave :

Flush DNS cache on macOS High Sierra with this command :

For macOS Sierra, Mac OS X El Capitan, X Mavericks, X Mountain Lion, or X Lion , run the following command:

If you’re running Mac OS X Yosemite , input this command:

On Mac OS X Snow Leopard , run the command to flush DNS cache :

If you’re using Mac OS X Leopard and below, enter this command:

After running the commands above, the network adapter will refresh its DNS configuration.

10. Disable IP Version 6 (IPv6)

Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) is the latest version of the internet protocol that identifies devices on the internet and a local network.

However, IPv6 can also cause the “DNS server is not responding” issue. Therefore, consider disabling IPv6 if the previous solutions still don’t solve the problem.

To disable IPv6 on Windows, do the following:

Screenshot of Windows Networking settings where you can select internet protocol version

Here are the steps to turn off IPv6 on your Mac:

Screenshot of Mac Network window illustrating how to turn off IPv6

If the off option is not available in the Configure IPv6 drop-down menu, try to disable IPv6 with the command line.

To disable IPv6 on a wireless connection, open the Terminal app on your Mac and run the following command:

If you want to deactivate IPv6 on an ethernet connection, use this command instead:

It’s also possible to disable IPv6 on a wireless and ethernet connection together by entering the following command:

Ensure to restart your device and connect to the internet again to check whether the “DNS server not responding” issue is resolved.

11. Update the Network Adapter Driver

An outdated network adapter driver can also be why the DNS servers failed issue appears on your Windows computer.

There are two options to update your network adapter driver – either manually or automatically .

Manually updating a network adapter driver can be challenging for beginners unfamiliar with driver software. Therefore, it’s recommended to automate it with a tool like Driver Easy , which can help download and install the correct drivers for your system.

Keep in mind that it’s essential to create a system restore point in your Windows before using the free version of Driver Easy. Doing so lets your computer turn to its previous state if an unexpected event happens.

To automatically update your network adapter driver with Driver Easy, follow these steps:

A screenshot showing the dashboard of Driver Easy software

Once you’re done with the process, revisit the website you want to access and see if this method has resolved the “DNS server not responding” issue.

What Causes the “DNS Server Not Responding” Error?

One of the more common causes for DNS server failed issues is improperly configured DNS records. This might happen when users don’t put in the right values or the correct IP address during the recording process.

Here are other possible causes of the “DNS server not responding” error:

The “DNS server not responding” message means that your browser cannot connect to the internet, commonly happens due to DNS errors or network issues.

Here are how you can fix the “DNS server not responding” issue:

We hope this article has helped you solve the “DNS server not responding” issue.

If you have any more questions or suggestions, please share them in the comments section below.

Learn more about DNS with these articles:

How to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_BAD_CONFIG Error DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN How to Reduce DNS Lookups? What Is a Premium DNS How to Change Domain Nameservers

DNS Server Not Responding FAQ

How do i fix the ‘dns server is not responding’ error.

Try to use another browser or device and get closer to your internet router if possible. You can also try to restart your devices, change your DNS settings and flush your DNS cache. If the problems still persist, update your network drivers and turn off your VPN and firewall.

How Can I Reset My DNS Server?

Open your computer’s command prompt app. On Windows, type ipconfig /flushdns, press enter, and restart your computer. On Mac, type lookupd -flushcache (Mac OSX 10.4 and earlier versions) or dscacheutil -flushcache (Mac OSX 10.5 and newer versions), press enter, and restart your computer.

How Do I Find My DNS Server?

To find your DNS server on your computer, open the command-line app on and type ipconfig/all and press Enter. Under the DNS Servers, the first address listed is your primary DNS server, and the next one your secondary DNS server.

Author

Amanda is a WordPress and digital marketing enthusiast with a passion for helping others grow their businesses and careers. She enjoys producing content that is both informative and helpful. When she's not working, Amanda loves hiking, reading books, and filling her bullet journal.

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How to Fix ‘The DNS Server isn’t responding’ error [100% Working]

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Suddenly you cannot access any websites through the Internet. Then you try to troubleshoot the network problems on your Windows. It tells you the DNS server not responding is the culprit. You may see one of these:

“ The DNS server isn’t responding . Your computer appears to be correctly configured, but the device or resource (DNS server) is not responding .”

Don’t worry if this problem occurs. You can fix this problem with our following guide. 

Try these fixes

If you’d like to know why you can’t browse the Internet due to the ‘DNS server not responding , you can go to read the reason part . Otherwise, follow along with the solutions directly.

Bonus Tip: Try using VPN to fix the connection problem.

Note:  The screens shown below are from Windows 10, but all the methods also apply to Windows 7/8.

Why can’t I access websites when the DNS server not responding? 

First, let’s figure out what a DNS server is. DNS ( Domain Name System) server helps to translate the website address into the IP address for your browser to connect to.

For example, when you want to access our website: www.drivereasy.com on Chrome, the DNS server translates it into our public IP address:  144.217.68.24 for Chrome to connect to. 

So you may know if there’s any wrong with your DNS server, you cannot access any website on your browser. No exception that if your DNS server stops responding, you cannot access the websites through the Internet.

Solution 1: Correct your DNS server address

The DNS server not responding error could be probably caused by an incorrect DNS server address . So you can follow these to correct your DNS server address:

1) On your keyboard, press the  Windows logo key  and  R  at the same time to invoke the Run box.

how to solve dns server problem in windows 7

Restart your computer and try to access the website you want to go to again and see if it succeeds.

Solution 2: Clear your DNS cache and reset your IP

how to solve dns server problem in windows 7

Note: Click  Yes  when prompted by the User Account Control.

how to solve dns server problem in windows 7

Then restart your computer and try to access the website you want to visit again and see if it succeeds.

Solution 3: Update your network adapter driver

Your DNS server won’t respond if the network adapter driver is outdated.  You can update your network adapter driver manually or, if you’re not confident playing around with drivers, you can do it automatically with  Driver Easy .

Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find the correct drivers for it. You don’t need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you don’t need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver, and you don’t need to worry about making a mistake when installing.

You can update your drivers automatically with either the FREE or the Pro version of Driver Easy. But with the Pro version it takes just 2 clicks (and you get full support and a 30-day money-back guarantee ):

1) Download   and install Driver Easy.

how to solve dns server problem in windows 7

After updating your network adapter driver, please restart your computer. Try to access the website you want to go to again and see if it succeeds.

Solution 4: Restart your modem and router

If your modem or router doesn’t work properly, the DNS server could stop responding, either.  You can restart your modem and router if you have one to solve the problem.

how to solve dns server problem in windows 7

2) Try to access the website you want to go to again and see if it succeeds.

Hopefully, this article has helped you fixed the problem. Feel free to comment below with your own experiences and share with your friends or colleagues if they’re experiencing the same problem.

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As a technical writer for Driver Easy, April writes articles related to various tech issues, including Windows computer problems and game errors. She's never happier than when her articles help people solve their problems - whether they're Windows errors and blue screens to network errors and faulty hardware. As a Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), she focuses on Windows system problems and daily tips and tricks. When she's not writing, she likes reading literary novels and poetry.

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DNS Server Not Responding: How To Fix Error In Windows

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Are you suddenly unable to access the internet? Checked your router is turned on?

The first thing to do would be to run the Window Network Diagnostic tool to troubleshoot the problem.

Related Article: Fix “Server DNS Address Could Not Be Found” In Chrome

After executing the Windows Network Diagnostics tool to diagnose this problem, the tool might show you the following error message:

“Your computer appears to be correctly configured, but the device or resource (DNS server) is not responding.”

Or if it doesn`t give the above message, it might provide you with one that is closely similar to the error text below:

DNS server not responding

Tips to fix DNS server not responding error in Windows .

“DNS server not responding error” is a common issue that occurs on many Windows computers.

The issue disallows a PC to access the Internet, regardless of the router.

Table of Contents

Can You Use Your Phone if Disconnec... Please enable JavaScript Fixing “DNS Server not Responding” Error

In this post, I will show you 6 ways to solve the DNS server not responding error, depending on what situation your PC is in.

It is usually as simple as fixing the dns cache .

How To Fix “DNS Server Not Responding” Error In Windows

Solution 5: Enter MAC Address Manually

Let`s start from the basis.

Solution 1: Fix Network Address

First, the “DNS not responding” error might be a result of incorrect DNS server address. To correct the DNS server address, here is a step-by-step procedure to get it set back.

Network and Sharing Center

Change adapter settings

Select Properties

Change DNS Settings

The preferred and alternate DNS server of Google’s DNS is 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, respectively.

If you don’t want to use Google’s DNS, you can use OpenDNS: OpenDNS address: 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220 Or pick any of these third-party DNS servers.

Alternatively, you can fix the Network Address Manually. And here`s a straightforward guide on how to go about it:

Physical Address

Read Article: Fix Application Has Been Blocked From Accessing Graphics Hardware

if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'whatsabyte_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',680,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-whatsabyte_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Solution 2: Reset DNS Settings

Here is the second method to fix the DNS server not responding error on your Windows PC.

Use this solution when the first method can’t help you to solve the problem.

Tip: You can also use both methods to fix this issue. There will be no harm to your computer at all.

Step 1: Open a Command Prompt program by pressing Windows + R on your keyboard, type “cmd.exe” and press Enter.

Step 3: After finishing, you can reboot your computer. The problem should be gone after restarting.

Solution 3: Update the Network Adapter Driver

Yes, an old network adapter driver might be the cause of the “DNS server isn`t responding” connect issue . Checking if your driver is up-to-date and compatible with your current operating system might be another solution. And here is the procedure to readily check if your network driver is up-to-date:

In some cases, Windows updates may lack new drivers available. In such situations, head over to your computer manufacture support website to download the latest driver.

Assumedly, you can`t connect to the internet. Thus, you require another computer with an internet connection, and then save the driver on an external drive and manually install it on your computer.

Here`s an in-depth guide to walk you through the manual installation procedure from the external drive.

NOTE: This process works after downloading the Network driver update from a computer with internet access.

Solution 4: Roll Back the Network Driver to Previous Version

In some instances, the “DNS do not respond” error can be a result of a recent driver update release for a network adapter, which isn’t compatible with the operating system you`re using.

In such cases, returning the Network adapter driver to an older version might work excellently. To roll back to an older version, here are steps to get it through:

Once you have completed the process, open your web browser to confirm if you have access to the internet.

A Media Access Control address (MAC) of a device is a distinctive identifier appointed to network interfaces for communications at the data link layer of a network segment.

Manufacturers of network interface controller are the one who assigns Mac Addresses they store the address in its hardware such as the card`s read-only memory or other firmware mechanisms.

Entering the MAC address manually can fix the “DNS SERVER not responding error.”

However, it`ll first requires you to locate it using an elevated Command Prompt. Here is the step-by-step procedure to find your Mac Address:

Now you have your Mac address. The next thing is to configure your network connection manually. Configuring network connection manually

Solution 6: Restart Your Router or Modem

In some cases, modem or router may operate faultily, so that the DNS server could stop responding. And when that is the case, a simple execution like restarting your modem or router might solve the problem.

Updated: I have received several emails from users that tell me that their firewall has blocked the internet connection. That could be a reason why you see this DNS error on your computer.

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How to Change DNS Server on Windows 7, 8, Windows 10, and macOS

How to Change DNS Server on Windows 7, 8, Windows 10, and macOS

DNS (Domain Name System) sounds like a scary abbreviation for something that’s actually very simple to understand. Simple put, it's a system that converts site addresses from machine-friendly numbers, into human-friendly names. If not for DNS, website names would look something like 93.184.16.12 instead of https://www.gadgets360.com .

To convert these numbers into addresses, your browser relies on a DNS Server, and although this will be set up by default, you can also change the DNS Server that you're using. There are a number of reasons for doing this, and the process itself is very simple.

Why would I want to change my DNS server? Your Internet service provider (ISP) issues a DNS server to you by default. ISP provided DNS servers aren’t always the best as they may lead to speed and reliability issues, such as some websites not opening or taking too long to load.

These DNS servers may not be equipped with security features that you’d get if you used a DNS server such as Google DNS. There can be other uses for this, such as accessing blocked websites . If you want to use Google DNS you can change the DNS server to 8.8.8.8 and alternate server to 8.8.4.4 - OpenDNS uses 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220, or you can use any other DNS server you prefer.

If you are having issues with your Internet connection, changing the DNS server could be a fix. Here’s how to change the DNS server.

Windows Follow these steps to change DNS servers on Windows . These steps will work on Windows 7, 8, or 10.

How to change DNS on Windows 7 , Windows 8 , or Windows 10 :

dns server change windows DNS

macOS Here’s how to change DNS servers on a Mac:

dns server change macos DNS

That’s how you change DNS servers on Windows machine or Mac. For more tutorials, visit our How To section .

For details of the latest launches and news from Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, OnePlus, Oppo and other companies at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, visit our MWC 2023 hub .

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Windows 7 DNS not working (nslookup IS working; ping -4 name.com NOT working)

Nslookup is working; ping -4 name.com not working.

The most obvious symptom of this problem is that nslookup IS working, while ping -4 name.com is NOT working.

That's because nslookup contains its own DNS client, and so does not use the Windows one.

ping when given a name, uses the Windows DNS Client to translate name -> number.

So if nslookup can translate, then lots of things work: networking hardware, NIC adapter driver, internet connectivity to the DNS servers, and successfully accessing the servers to do a translation. That's a lot!

However, ping -4 name.com fails, so if all that other stuff is working, it's the Windows DNS client software itself that is implicated.

Note i did ping -4 to isolate to IPv4 excluding IPv6 influences.

displaydns fails

That's why the best symptom to describe the actual problem is that

But DNS client is running

Reading forums, the most probable reason for this symptom is the DNS Client (aka dnscache ) service is not running; however for us it is.

and it is on.

It's Not DNS suffix

Another possibility is that there are DNS suffixes in use. However going into network and sharing center -> change adapter settings -> Wireless Network Connection -> Properties -> Internet Protocol Version 4 Properties -> Advanced -> DNS tab, we have:

[CHECKED] Append primary and connection specific DNS suffixes

[UNchecked] Append these DNS suffixes

(and the list box is empty)

DNS suffix for this connection:

[CHECKED] Register this connection's addresses in DNS [UNchecked] Use this connection's DNS suffix in DNS registration.

However, i'm not sure if any of this matters cuz we can't get to goolge.com, ie a FQDN.

We disabled IPv6 for now for debug. So everything reported in here is with IPv6 off.

nslookup works reliably, on google.com and everything else.

And browsing says DNS error.

Now, I have learned that nslookup has its own DNS client, separate from Windows. Which would lead me to believe that nslookup's DNS client is fine, and Windows is corrupted somehow.

Indeed, we can browse google and other sites via IP address fine, just not by name.

ping by IP address works fine. As does tracert by IP address.

Not DirectAccess

The problem does not appear to be DirectAccess :

reports (among other things)

A Wireshark capture during nslookup shows name queries.

However a capture doing ping showed no such queries. In fact, no activity at all (other than background). That suggests that the Windows DNS client is not even trying to go out to the internet and translate the name, which would be consistent with its inability to displaydns.

Other notes

The c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc\hosts is empty (only comments).

The problem happens when the DNS server is set to the university's; or when set to google's 8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.4.4 and/or OpenDNS's 208.67.222.222 and/or 208.67.220.220. Which makes sense given that Wireshark reports that Windows isn't even sending the name query.

The problem happened after a heat crash. However, being able to browse by IP rules hardware problems, except perhaps for HDD corruption. However chkdsk did not report any bad sectors, and sfc did not find any corruption.

We have also uninstalled the Network Adapter in Device Manager and let it re-install automatically. Also checked for updates for this adapter on windows. There weren't any.

The crash means a reboot, so maybe it was a bad windows update. However, there were several reboots before this one and after the most recent windows update.

We've run for rootkit is Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, also their Malwarebytes Anti-Rootkit beta, TDSSKiller, and Comodo Cleaning Essentials (CCE, but it appears not to be updated).

Have not tried in safe mode with networking yet.

We are mostly using a university router, however the problem also happens when connected to smartphone's hotspot.

ipconfig reports 5 Tunnel Adapters, but they all report "Media Disconnected". 2 of them look university specific.

ipconfig and device manager both report a Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter . What is this and could it be the problem?

The problem is identical after many reboots of the PC.

It's a laptop, and most of this was done with the wireless connection, but the wired connection appeared to have the same behavior.

So, it appears Windows DNS client is corrupted or at least malfunctioning in some way, but I'm not sure how to figure out why.

(BTW, i'm writing this on another computer)

@Kris wanted to see ipconfig /all

and reboot and did not change anything.

Tried this excellent site (thanks @Kris) Windows 7: Services - Restore Default Services in Windows 7 and downloaded their DNS_Client.reg (and named it .reg.txt for safety) and compared that to the existing registry entry HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\Dnscache but sadly, they were the same.

john v kumpf's user avatar

6 Answers 6

We found the answer on edugeek.com and used it as a guide. Our explicit actions are explained below.

The answer on EduGeek is first introduced in post 13 by shoeib who says they got it from that thread, but I see nothing in that thread up to that point that would even hint at that answer.

Post 20 by fencecat42 goes into more detail.

Specifically,

In registry key:

The following "values" (as MS confusingly terms them, each of which can have "data") are missing

All three were missing on both fencecat42's and our system.

Now, kudos (well, almost ;) @Kris because there was evidence of this problem in the ipconfig /all that they asked me to post. Notice in my posted output there is no Host Name . This is one and the same Hostname from the registry.

I am hesitant to edit the registry, because one stray keystroke could make your system unbootable, in which case hopefully you have made a system restore or made a copy of your registry (my favorite ways are ERUNT and Tweaking.com Windows Repair All-In-One (which includes a registry save tool) (I found out about these tools at techsupportalert.com))

So to set the Hostname , we simply went into Control Panel -> System. (Often the "Change Settings" link is not visible in the first screen; you have to scroll down. This step requires UAC authorization. After setting it you have to reboot.)

This action sets both the Hostname and NV Hostname "values" in the registry.

We could not find a non-regedit way of editing the Domain "value". (Maybe netdom but we didn't have this on this Windows 7 Home Premium system.) So we used the registry to set Domain to an empty value . We used regedit , navigated to the Tcpip/Parameters key, right click -> New -> String Value. That creates a new "value" and sets you up to type its name, changing the default new name. Then we did not have to create an actual "data" for this "value" (again pardon MS's counter-intuitive terms). Just created it and left its "data" uninitialized.

Note: we tried networking after setting JUST the Hostname's. Did not work. the Domain (even empty) was required. We did not try with Domain created (and empty) but without creating and setting the Hostname's. But I think that's an interesting experiment.

Reflections

I don't remember now, but I suspect we tried Microsoft's "How to reset TCP/IP by using the NetShell utility" which is

(or whatever path and filename you want for the log file).

And that MS page says this:

When you run the reset command, it overwrites the following registry keys, both of which are used by TCP/IP: SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Tcpip\Parameters SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\DHCP\Parameters [Seems like the same registry key we changed, MS is just not showing all of its hierarchy. --john v kumpf] This has the same effect as removing and reinstalling TCP/IP. To run the manual command successfully, you must specify a name for the log file in which the netsh actions will be recorded. (This log file is referred to as "resetlog.txt" in the manual procedures earlier in this section.)

Perhaps, this reinstall process overwrites those registry keys, and fails to write the Hostname's and Domain ? Maybe?

If so, then what really worked for us is doing the MS ip reset, THEN setting those registry keys.

Our problem appeared after rebooting after a crash due to heat. Hard to connect that event to the problem. One possibility is that the heat crashed a small number of blocks of the disk and one of those block happened to be holding part of the Tcpip registry key values. Unlikely, but I guess possible.

Or, if that re-installing TCP/IP was necessary, that the disk blocks corrupted the TCP/IP service, and we had to re-install it and then fix it up after.

This is quite an interesting result. What this means is that the Windows DNS Client looks for either Domain or 2 or all 3 of these "values" in the registry. And if it finds it (them), it's fine. If it doesn't find them, specifically if it does not find the Domain , it errors out and simply fails. No error report [1].

I think we can conclude from this evidence that this is a bug in the Windows DNS Client . We can prove this because it works with an empty Domain value, that means the software can't really be using it, which means why would it require it to exist (even empty) to function properly? That's a bug.

There might have been an error report, but not in the Event Viewer in the common places (under the hierarchy: Event Viewer (Local) -> Windows -> Application, and System). There are other logs, many not turned on by default, that might have had some output, especially

but also possibly

After MANY hours surfing this problem, it seems this problem is usually hard to debug and is something "weird".

For example in this post at spiceworks , the problem was an expired certificate in a DNS server.

Poster "Galen in Laguna" at spiceworks suggested a way to completely uninstall the TCP/IP stack in Windows 7 and let Windows reinstall it. I suspect that would have worked in our case, because it would have restored the Tcpip registry key. (But see the MS post above.)

Poster ILS at spiceworks suggested that the afd.sys driver might have a Trojan or be corrupted in some way, and suggested how to replace it. ( afd stands for "Ancillary function driver" for Winsock.)

This superuser post Why is 'ping' unable to resolve a name when 'nslookup' works fine? where the question had 35 upvotes and the best answer 27, is a good reference. There, people reported "other solutions for them" including:

Also, people report this problem can be caused by "rootkits". I would suggest anyone struggling with this problem to run a few rootkit scanner/removers. bleepingcomputer.com is a good place to get advice. Or read Gizmo's Best Free Rootkit Scanner/Remover at techsupportalert.com

There's evidence in forums that this problem goes unsolved most often.

One of those posters, "Galen in Laguna", at spiceworks said that's what they usually have to do.

That same superuser post Why is 'ping' unable to resolve a name when 'nslookup' works fine? where the question had 35 upvotes and the best answer 27, the best answer author said, "Some sites also recommend uninstalling and reinstalling SP3 in this case."

And, This poor superuser who tried everything, got no answer, and after 18 days had to repair install

Helpful hint if this does not solve your problem: When searching the internet for Windows DNS problems, be aware that a lot of posts are talking about a Windows server functioning as a DNS server . Our issue was that we had a plain old PC connected via a router to the internet and our DNS client software was not working. Sometimes reading posts I missed that distinction.

Another helpful hint if you go searching: many problems of this sort we found posted had attributes we did NOT have:

I hope our answer helps someone else.

Pang's user avatar

I would reinstall all network drivers and set a static dns to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (google primary and secondary dns servers).

Mike F's user avatar

Try flushing the DNS cache using:

If that fails it might be worth a shot checking the DNS Client service by starting services.msc from the command prompt. Find the service called "DNS Client" and make sure it's start method is set to "Automatic" and that the service is started.

Calle Bergström's user avatar

Reinstall TCP/IP (please continue reading...). I don't mean "reset it", "restart it", "re-enable it". In Windows 10 run "netcfg -u ms_tcp". This will IN FACT remove the protocol from your system. No more TCP/IP v4 on it. Reinstall the protocol the usual way (properties of network connection; add protocol). In windows 7 you could edit nettcpip.inf to allow you to unistall the protocol from the network connection properties, but that is not possible in Windows 10 (can't say in 8 nor 8.1). Hope this helps someone. RV

José Silva's user avatar

I got the same problem, my registry seems fine, the only way to fix temporally this problem is to launch : ipconfig /renew . I'll try to reset the IP stack, I'll post some more info if I find a solution...

Teenage's user avatar

I had exactly the same problem. For us it was related to the uninstallation of OpenVPN Connect. Following the next steps resolved our problem:

Hopefully this helps.

Mark H's user avatar

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