14 Apr Troubleshooting DNS Server Unavailability: Why It Happens and How to Fix DNS Server Unavailable

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It can be frustrating when you encounter a “DNS server unavailable” error message while trying to access a website. The Domain Name System (DNS) is essential for translating domain names into IP addresses, allowing you to navigate the internet. When your DNS server is unavailable, it’s like trying to find a location without a map.

In how to fix DNS server unavailable issue, you can try several troubleshooting steps. First, check if other devices on the same network can access the internet. If they can, the problem may be specific to your desktop. Restarting your computer and flushing the DNS cache can sometimes resolve the issue. You can also check your network settings to ensure they are correct and reset the TCP/IP stack. Additionally, switching to Google’s Public DNS or checking for malware can help resolve DNS-related issues.

Understanding DNS Server Unavailability

DNS server unavailability can occur for various reasons. It could be due to issues with your computer’s network settings, problems with the DNS server itself, or even issues with your internet service provider (ISP).

In how to fix DNS server unavailable and fix the “DNS server unavailable” error, start by checking if other devices on the same network can access the internet. If they can, the issue might be specific to your desktop. Try restarting your computer, as a simple restart can often resolve network issues. Flushing the DNS cache can also help. To do this, open the Command Prompt and type “ipconfig /flushdns” (without quotes).

Additionally, ensure that your computer is using the correct DNS server addresses. You can check this in your network settings. If the issue persists, consider resetting your TCP/IP stack or checking for malware. If none of these steps work, contact your ISP or network administrator for further assistance.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check Other Devices

If other devices on the same network can access the internet, the “DNS server unavailable” issue might be specific to your desktop. To fix it, try restarting your computer, as a simple restart can often resolve network issues. Flushing the DNS cache can also help. To do this, open the Command Prompt and type “ipconfig /flushdns” (without quotes). Additionally, in how to fix DNS server unavailable, ensure that your computer is using the correct DNS server addresses in your network settings. If the problem persists, consider resetting your TCP/IP stack or checking for malware. If none of these steps work, contact your ISP or network administrator for further assistance.

2. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve network issues, including DNS server unavailability.

3. Flush DNS Cache

Your computer stores IP addresses locally in a DNS cache. Flushing this cache can sometimes resolve DNS-related issues. To do this, open the Command Prompt and type “ipconfig /flushdns” (without quotes). This command clears the DNS resolver cache, which contains records of all the recent visits and attempted visits to websites, essentially resetting the DNS resolver. How to fix DNS server unavailable? After flushing the DNS cache, try accessing the website again to see if the issue has been resolved. If the problem persists, there may be other underlying issues with your network configuration or DNS settings that need to be addressed.

4. Check Network Settings

Ensure that your computer is using the correct DNS server addresses. You can check this in your network settings.

5. Reset TCP/IP

Resetting the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) stack can help resolve network issues. Open the Command Prompt and type “netsh int ip reset” (without quotes).

6. Check DNS Server Status

Sometimes, the DNS server itself may be experiencing issues. Check with your ISP or DNS provider to see if there are any known outages. They can provide information about any ongoing maintenance or technical difficulties that may be affecting the DNS servers. If there are no reported issues, consider switching to a different DNS server temporarily to see if that resolves the problem. This can help determine if the issue is with your ISP’s DNS servers or if there is a different underlying cause how to fix DNS server unavailable on your desktop.

7. Update Network Drivers

Outdated or corrupted network drivers can cause DNS server unavailability. Update your network drivers to the latest version.

8. Disable Firewall and Antivirus

Temporarily disable your firewall and antivirus software to see if they are blocking access to the DNS server.

9. Use Google DNS

How to fix DNS server unavailable? If you’re experiencing DNS server unavailability issues, try switching to Google’s Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) to see if it resolves the problem. This can help identify if the issue lies with your ISP’s DNS servers. Changing to Google’s Public DNS is a straightforward process that involves updating your network settings to use Google’s DNS servers instead of your ISP’s. If switching to Google’s Public DNS resolves the issue, you may consider sticking with it or contacting your ISP for further assistance with their DNS servers.

10. Check for Malware

Malware can sometimes interfere with your DNS settings. Run a full system scan using reputable antivirus software.

11. Reset Your Router

If other devices can’t connect either, try resetting your router. This can sometimes resolve network issues.

Conclusion

DNS server unavailability can be a frustrating issue, but with the right troubleshooting steps, you can often resolve it quickly. Start by checking your network settings to ensure they are correct. Sometimes, incorrect settings can lead to DNS server unavailability. 

Next, try restarting your computer. A simple restart can often resolve network issues, including DNS server unavailability. 

If the issue persists, consider trying alternative DNS servers. For example, you can switch to Google’s Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) to see if it resolves the problem. Changing DNS servers can help identify if the issue lies with your ISP’s DNS servers. 

Additionally, you can try flushing the DNS cache on your computer. This clears out any cached DNS records that may be causing issues. To do this, open the Command Prompt and type “ipconfig /flushdns” (without quotes). 

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often learn how to fix DNS server unavailable and get back to browsing smoothly in no time.

About Bytagig

Bytagig is dedicated to providing reliable, full-scale cyber security and IT support for businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups in a variety of industries. Bytagig works both remotely with on-site support in Portland, San Diego, and Boston. Acting as internal IT staff, Bytagig handles employee desktop setup and support, comprehensive IT systems analysis, IT project management, website design, and more.