WHY DNS IS NOT WORKING

What is DNS?

DNS, short for Domain Name System, is a vital service that translates domain names like google.com into IP addresses, enabling browsers to locate and display websites. Without DNS, the internet as we know it would cease to function.

When you type a web address into your browser, the DNS system kicks into action. It starts by checking its local cache for the IP address associated with that domain name. If it finds a match, it sends the IP address to your browser, and your browser quickly connects to the website’s server.

If the DNS server doesn’t find the IP address in its cache, it sends a query to other DNS servers, including the authoritative DNS server for that domain. The authoritative DNS server then responds with the IP address, which is cached by the querying DNS server and sent back to your browser.

Why DNS Might Not Be Working

Several factors can cause DNS to stop working, leading to website inaccessibility and other internet-related issues.

1. Incorrect DNS Server Configuration

Incorrect DNS server configuration on your computer or network can prevent DNS from working properly. Ensure that the correct DNS server addresses are assigned in your network settings.

2. DNS Server Outage

DNS servers can experience outages due to technical issues, maintenance, or even cyberattacks. During these outages, DNS services are unavailable, resulting in website inaccessibility.

3. DNS Cache Issues

DNS caches store IP addresses of recently visited websites to speed up future requests. However, sometimes these caches can become corrupted or outdated, leading to DNS issues. Flushing the DNS cache can often resolve these problems.

4. Malware or Virus Infection

Malware and virus infections can alter DNS settings or hijack DNS requests, causing DNS-related problems. It’s essential to keep your system protected with updated antivirus software.

Troubleshooting DNS Issues

If you suspect DNS issues, here are some steps to troubleshoot and resolve them:

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Before troubleshooting DNS, ensure that your internet connection is stable and working correctly. Try connecting to different websites to see if the problem persists.

2.Restart Your Modem and Router

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve DNS issues. Power off your modem and router for a few minutes and then turn them back on. This can refresh the DNS settings and restore connectivity.

3. Change DNS Servers

If the above steps don’t work, try changing your DNS servers. You can use public DNS servers like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).

4. Flush the DNS Cache

Flushing the DNS cache can help resolve issues caused by outdated or corrupted cache entries. To flush the DNS cache in Windows, open the Command Prompt, type “ipconfig /flushdns,” and press Enter.

5. Scan for Malware or Viruses

If you suspect a malware or virus infection, perform a full system scan using updated antivirus software. Removing the infection can restore proper DNS functionality.

Conclusion

DNS is a critical service that enables the internet to function seamlessly. Understanding why DNS might not be working and knowing how to troubleshoot DNS issues can help you quickly resolve problems and restore internet connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the common causes of DNS issues?
Incorrect DNS server configuration, DNS server outages, DNS cache issues, and malware or virus infections are common causes of DNS problems.

2. How can I troubleshoot DNS issues?
Check your internet connection, restart your modem and router, change DNS servers, flush the DNS cache, and scan for malware or viruses.

3. What are some public DNS servers that I can use?
Google's public DNS servers (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and Cloudflare's public DNS servers (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) are reliable options.

4. How do I flush the DNS cache on a Mac?
To flush the DNS cache on a Mac, open Terminal, type "sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder," and press Enter. Enter your administrator password when prompted.

5. Can a VPN affect DNS settings?
Yes, VPNs can affect DNS settings by rerouting DNS requests through the VPN's servers. Some VPNs also offer custom DNS settings for enhanced privacy or security.