Resolving DNS Issues

Background

Domain Name System or DNS for short is a directory that converts most website names into their full Internet Protocol (IP) address.

While most DNS issues in personal or home networks can be resolved with a quick rebooting of the router. It’s certainly more difficult when you don’t have access to the systems and access points in the office.

The most common cause of "DNS not responding" errors is issues with the DNS server settings or connectivity. DNS is responsible for translating simplified domain names such as (www.google.com) into IP addresses that computers use to communicate over the internet.

When a "DNS not responding" error occurs, it indicates that the device is unable to establish a connection with the DNS server. This can happen due to various reasons such as misconfigured DNS settings, DNS server downtime or unresponsiveness, network connectivity problems, or conflicts with firewall or antivirus settings. Additionally, local cache issues or incorrect DNS cache entries on the device can also contribute to this error.

DNS Server Not Responding

Start off by restarting your computer. If this is a recent issue in a previously working environment, verify that a reboot doesn’t resolve the issue. As simple as this sounds, this is our most common solution.

Initial steps to check

• Test the same website via another browser
• Test the same website with another device (If possible)
• Use the wireless troubleshooting option via the WiFi menu
• Clear your browser cache, cookies, and private data

Flush the DNS Cache - Windows 

(Note: Administrator Approval or Elevation may be required)  

1. Open Command Prompt via the start menu. Below are two ways to do this.
   
   
   • Launch the start menu and type “cmd” into the search bar
   • Press The Windows Key + R simultaneously to open the run menu. In the run bar, type “cmd” and hit the ok button
     
     
2. Once in command prompt, enter the following command:

ipconfig/flushdns

Flush the DNS Cache - MacOS

(Note: Administrator Approval or Elevation may be required to open Terminal) 

Open “Terminal” Via the spotlight or Applications menu

• Spotlight can be accessed via pressing Command (⌘) + Space Bar
• You can find the applications menu via the Finder. You will find the terminal app located in the “Utilities” folder
  
  
  
  

In the new terminal window, enter or paste the following command:

sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder

• • This command is intended for OSX El Capitan (10.11.6) users and newer
  • You may be asked to provide your password in order to execute this command
  • If no errors or messages appear after entering your command, your DNS has been flushed correctly!