It’s painful when you have configured your computer and router for DNS Server and suddenly it pops an error “Your computer appears to be correctly configured, but the device for your DNS server is not responding”.
Though you have configured your PC correctly (message also confirms that), you are stuck with a fault. Don’t worry, I will guide you to resolve the issue. Ensuing text describes the various technique to overcome the problem.
WHY YOUR DNS SERVER ISN’T RESPONDING
DNS is an acronym for Domain Name Server, which helps your browser to connect to the website on the internet. The DNS server not responding error disconnects your computer from the web, due to either incorrect settings or issues on server side.
HOW TO FIX FNS SERVER NOT RESPONDING ON WINDOWS
To fix the issue, first try to identify the issue creation point, and then follow specific steps to resolve the same. Don’t worry, I have enlisted hereunder for your use:
TEST THE CONNECTION
As there are only two connected devices (in most cases); the computer, and the router. You should identify which device has the issue. In order to do so, please go through following steps:
Step 1 – Change the device: if possible try and connect another computer to the same router or net connection.
Step 2 – Access internet from newly connected computer: Open a browser in newly connected device and open a website. If your computer connects with the internet, then the issue is with the old computer, otherwise the issue is with your modem/router or ISP. If the problem is with the modem/router or ISP move to next step (step c) otherwise move to next section (section 2).
Step 3 – Reset modem/router: Switch OFF your modem/router, and leave it idle for at least 30~60 seconds in order them to relive any residual charge or memory. Switch ON the devices, and they try and connect the internet through browser.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Once you know that the problem is with your computer, then please follow enlisted checks to narrow down the issue. Otherwise if the issue is a DNS Probe related. Read this previous post that I wrote about how to fix this issue.
Step 1 – Switch the browser: If you were trying to open a website on Internet Explorer then try another browser (Chrome/Firefox/Mozilla/etc.) to open the site. If the connection doesn’t get established, then it is most likely that the problem is not with the browser but with some other settings.
If the connection is established, then there is a problem with the old browser, and you should troubleshoot the old browser to narrow down the issue are. Most often, the problem arises due to proxy settings – reset it to automatic to resolve.
Step 2a – Remove Extra connections: Often, the Windows installs few extra connections other than your regular connection, in the background. To remove such extra connection, make sure of following steps:
Step 2b – Search “ncpa.cpl” through search option either through window button or the start menu.
Step 2c – Discover if there is any extra connection. Often “Microsoft Virtual Wi-Fi Miniport Adapter” exists, which causes the DNS error. If you discover it, then disable it through right-click.
Step 3 – Wait for few minutes they try and connect the internet through browser. If the net-connection is still not established than move to the next step.
CLEANING THE DNS
Clean your DNS: Occasionally, DNS cache gets out-of-date and needs to be cleaned manually, to do so please follow below mentioned steps:
Step 1 – Open command prompt
Step 2 – Insert ipconfig/flushdns
Step 3 – Hold for the command prompt to complete the process and then restart your PC.
Step 4 – Test the internet connection again. Still, if the issue is unresolved then move to next step.
CHANGING THE DNS
Manually change the DNS: You can manually change your DNS server address through following steps.
Step 1 – Go to your internet connection, right click to open the properties.
Step 2 – In the network tab, select TCP/IP v4, and then click on TCP/IP properties tab.
Step 3 – Choose “Use the following DNS server address”.
Step 4 – Enter following details.
Preferred DNS Server: 208.67.222.222
Alternate DNS Server: 208.67.220.220
(Both are open source DNS service)
Step 5 – Restart your PC in Safe Mode: Restarting your PC in Safe Mode will allow you to determine whether your anti-virus is restricting the connection or not.
Step 6 – Disable your anti-virus, and if issue gets resolved then install a new anti-virus.
CONCLUSION
By this point your DNS server not responding on Windows error should be fixed. Even after following each step, still the problem persists than please contact your ISP to resolve the issue.
