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.

VPN Error 619

A connection to the remote computer could not be established or the port was disconnected is the message you will receive when you have been a victim of VPN error 619. VPN (virtual private network) is a Windows based network that uses public telecommunications to conduct private communications. Knowing what a VPN is and how it works may help you to understand and troubleshoot through the common error 619.

Over the Internet, a VPN is able to support private communications with a server. It is a low cost alternative to connect people to other servers to create multiple networks or to increase security on personal computers. A VPN is used for a number of different reasons. It creates an extranet or a link between two external and separate organizations. It can support remote access to a collection of private computers networked together within an organization that cannot be accessed from the outside, known as an intranet. As well, a VPN supports the connection between two or more intranets within the same organization. Finally, it allows users to access various resources from a home network securely and easily.

Because of the various uses of a VPN, there are many benefits to using one:

• Businesses and people who want to work remotely benefit from a VPN as it provides the ability to connect to work or other resources from multiple different locations because it offers connectivity and extra security.
• For the average user who commonly uses wireless Internet hotspots, a VPN offers added security to protect confidential data. Hotspots at coffee shops or restaurants provide unsecured Internet service that is available to the general public. It can be a hotspot for not only the Internet, but for hackers looking to retrieve sensitive data such as credit card or password information. The security provided by a VPN helps to protect users from hackers.
• DSL and cable that allows an Internet connection may not be a secured or protected service. A virus or hacker can infect the system and identify the exact IP address. This leaves the computer vulnerable for attacks. With a VPN connection, there is added protection for IP addresses making it difficult to hack into personal information.
• Websites use cookies on the Internet to track surfing activities, which can lead to a violation of user privacy. A VPN hides the IP address making it difficult for websites to place cookies that identify Internet use.

So, what to do about the 619 error? The VPN error may occur when a user is trying to establish a new connection or when the server becomes disconnected in some way. Usually, this error can be fixed in a few easy steps:

• First, check to see if the VPN applications and Windows services are available when trying to connect. If not, this may be the reason for the error.
• Firewalls and anti-virus programs do protect computers, but they can also cause connection issues. Temporarily disabling these programs and trying to connect again is one way to determine if they are causing the issue. If so, change the settings in the firewall or anti-virus program to allow the VPN to connect. Always remember to enable these services after successfully connecting.
• Reboot the computer and try again to connect.
• Delete and reinstall the VPN configuration settings using the instructions.

If none of these options work, the VPN support line will need to be contacted to provide assistance in re-establishing the connection.