DNS Lookup Failed Error

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a system of servers that translates domain names into IP addresses. The DNS system handles the workings of making Internet connections and DNS lookup failed simply means that you are unable to connect to a specific website. This can in fact happen for a variety of reasons.

Issues with the DNS do not always cause an actual error message to surface; rather they may take the form of other symptoms; such as:

• Inability to log on or very slow logon.
• Unable to join a domain or run a logon script.
• Inability to access an IP address.

Interestingly, when you visit websites, Windows automatically places DNS information about the site into a cache on your computer. A cache is a type of supply closet on your computer and the DNS stores negative and positive entries here. When the information on the website matches with what is stored by Windows, the connection is successful. If the Internet Service Provider does not update the DNS information, this may conflict with the information stored on your computer, creating a negative entry that causes a DNS lookup failed error.

DNS lookup failed errors may or may not be something that you can correct. These errors can be due to issues with the Internet Service Provider (ISP) or your cache may just be overloaded with negative or conflicting information. Cleaning out your cache is the first thing you can do, which will also let you know whether the error is due to your system or the ISP.

Flushing your cache will empty all the information stored on your computer and start you back at a clean slate. By cleaning out all of the information in the cache, there will be no conflicting information to cause DNS lookup failed errors. To do this, you will need to open the command screen.

For all Windows users except Vista and Windows 7, go to Start > Run. Click Run and in the pop-up box that opens, type: com or command and press Enter.

For Windows Vista and Windows 7 users, go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.

The remaining instructions are the same for all Windows users. Type ipconfig/flushdns and hit Enter. Once the DNS cache has been flushed, a confirmation window should open stating that the DNS resolver cache was successfully flushed. This should eliminate future DNS lookup failed errors. It is not a bad idea to do this when you begin to experience any of the symptoms listed above.

If you are still experiencing DNS failed lookup errors after you have flushed your cache, then it is likely an error at the ISP end of things. Unfortunately, there is not a lot you can do about this, which means you may not be able to access the site until the error is resolved.

DNS Server Errors

DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is a system of servers that are located in the Internet universe that translate domain names into Internet Protocol or (IP). This system is what handles Internet connections, as well as the routing of e-mail messages.

When you sign up with an Internet Service Provider (ISP), you will be told to set your DNS servers. There are typically two servers that provide a domain name for an address that will allow you to communicate with the Internet. A DNS server error message may surface if there are issues with the connection to the web page you are trying to view. You can attempt to reload the current page by clicking on the reload button to see if this resolves the issue. The error message may just be a quick glitch that will only take a click of the reload button to resolve. If this remedies the issue, consider yourself lucky.

A DNS error may occur because the servers are not well maintained or have bugs or errors that then trickle down to you, the user. Errors and problems occur with domain names and connections just as errors and problems occur with your computer system. If you run into these issues, it is a possible sign of DNS problems. These problems may not be something that you can correct, but rather may be issues with the ISP. If the issue is due to the ISP, it will probably be resolved in a short time. Be patient and continue to try to access the page or contact the provider. If you continue to be met with the same issue, you can take steps to manually replace your DNS server.

Resetting your DNS server is the best option to avoid future issues. Before changing your DNS settings, you should write down your current DNS server address in the event that you want to return to these settings at a later time. These instructions for resetting or replacing your DNS server are specifically for Windows users only:

• Click Start.
• Select Control Panel.
• Click on Network Connections or Wireless Network Settings if you are connected wirelessly.
• Click on Local Area Connection or Wireless Network Settings depending on the connection you are having trouble with.
• Click Properties and highlight Internet Protocol.
• Click Properties again and check the box beside the Obtain DNS server automatically selection. If you wish to change this and manually insert your own DNS server, you can consult with your Internet Service Provider to obtain a different address.
• Click the OK button.
• Click Close twice.
• Close the Network Connection box.
• Test your new settings by trying to access a website.

Changing, resetting or replacing your DNS server does not have to be forever. You can follow the same instructions to change from a new server back to your old settings should you choose. Chances are, if you are having trouble connecting, it may be an issue with the DNS. You shouldn’t be afraid to change this when and if necessary. Your Internet Service Provider can also assist you with any issues you may have troubleshooting through connection problems.