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Ultimate Guide to Fixing DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error: Step-by-Step Solutions

Ultimate Guide to Fixing DNS PROBE FINISHED NXDOMAIN Error Step by Step Solutions - Softwarecosmos.com

Running into the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error can be really frustrating. It stops you from getting to your favorite websites or important online stuff. This error shows that your browser can’t find the IP address for the domain name you typed in.

This guide is for both tech newbies and those with some computer smarts. We’ll show you simple steps to fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. You’ll be back online in no time.

We’ll look at what causes the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error and how to fix it. Knowing the reasons and how to solve them will make your browsing better and more reliable. Let’s explore DNS errors and find ways to beat them.

Understanding the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

First, let’s get what the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error is and why it happens. DNS stands for Domain Name System. It’s key to the internet, turning domain names (like www.softwarecosmos.com) into IP addresses. These IP addresses help computers find each other on the network.

When you type a website into your browser, DNS servers find the right IP address. This lets your browser show the website.

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error means DNS lookup failed. Your browser can’t find the IP address for the domain name. It’s like your computer doesn’t know where to find the website you want.

This problem can be caused by many things. It might be a simple typo or a bigger network issue.

Knowing why this error happens is key to fixing it. In the next parts, we’ll look at common reasons and how to solve them.

Common Causes of DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error can be triggered by several factors. Identifying the exact cause is the first step toward resolving the issue. Here are the most common reasons why you might encounter this error:

1. Incorrect Domain Name

One of the simplest causes of the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error is an incorrect domain name. Typos or errors in the URL you enter in the browser can prevent DNS from locating the correct IP address. For example, mistyping “www.gooogle.com” instead of “www.google.com” will lead to this error.

2. DNS Cache Issues

Your computer and router store DNS information in a cache to speed up future visits to the same websites. However, sometimes this cache can become corrupted or outdated, leading to DNS resolution problems. When the cached information is incorrect, your browser can’t find the website you want to visit.

3. Router Problems

Your router acts as a mediator between your devices and the internet. If the router’s DNS settings are misconfigured or if the router itself is experiencing issues, it can prevent proper DNS resolution. This misconfiguration can block access to websites and trigger the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

4. ISP DNS Issues

Sometimes, the problem lies with your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) DNS servers. If the DNS servers provided by your ISP are down or experiencing difficulties, your computer won’t be able to resolve domain names correctly. This situation can result in the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

5. Firewall or Antivirus Interference

Security software like firewalls and antivirus programs are designed to protect your computer from threats. However, overly aggressive settings or false positives can sometimes block DNS requests, leading to connectivity issues and DNS errors.

6. VPN or Proxy Server Issues

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or proxy server can sometimes interfere with DNS resolution. If these services are misconfigured or experiencing technical problems, they can prevent your browser from finding the correct IP addresses for websites, resulting in DNS errors.

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7. Hosts File Configuration

Your computer’s hosts file is a system file that maps domain names to IP addresses manually. If incorrect entries are added to this file, it can override DNS settings and block access to certain websites, causing the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

Understanding these common causes can help you target your troubleshooting efforts more effectively. In the next section, we will explore detailed, step-by-step solutions to fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

Resolving the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error involves a systematic approach to eliminate potential causes one by one. Below are comprehensive solutions that cater to various scenarios where this error might occur.

1. Check the Domain Name

Double-checking the domain name is the simplest and often the most effective way to resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. A small typo in the URL can prevent your browser from finding the correct website.

  • Verify the URL: Ensure that you’ve entered the correct website address. Check for common mistakes like extra letters or missing segments.
  • Check the Extension: Make sure you’re using the correct domain extension (e.g., .com, .org, .net). Using the wrong extension can lead to an error.
  • Try Alternative URLs: If you’re unsure about the domain, try accessing the website through a search engine or use an alternative URL if available.

By confirming the accuracy of the domain name, you can quickly eliminate one of the most common causes of the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

2. Clear Browser Cache

Clearing your browser’s cache can help resolve issues caused by corrupted or outdated data. The cache stores temporary files from websites you visit, and sometimes these files can interfere with browser functions.

  • For Google Chrome:
    1. Click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner of the browser.
    2. Navigate to More tools > Clear browsing data.
    3. In the dialog box, select Cached images and files.
    4. Choose the Time range (e.g., Last 24 hours) and click Clear data.
  • For Mozilla Firefox:
    1. Click on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
    2. Go to Options > Privacy & Security.
    3. Under Cookies and Site Data, click Clear Data.
    4. Select Cached Web Content and click Clear.

Clearing the cache forces the browser to fetch fresh data from websites, which can resolve loading issues and eliminate DNS errors caused by cached data.

3. Reset Your Router

Restarting your router can fix connectivity issues that may affect DNS resolution. Routers can sometimes develop temporary glitches that disrupt internet access.

  • Steps to Reset:
    1. Unplug the router from the power source.
    2. Wait for about 30 seconds to allow the router to reset.
    3. Plug the router back in and wait for it to restart fully.

After resetting, try accessing the website again. This process can clear temporary issues in the router’s memory and restore proper DNS functionality.

4. Flush DNS Cache

Flushing the DNS cache clears outdated or corrupted entries, allowing your system to retrieve fresh DNS information. This process ensures that your computer uses the most recent and accurate DNS data.

  • For Windows:
    1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.
    2. In the Command Prompt, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
    3. You should see a confirmation message indicating that the DNS cache has been successfully flushed.
  • For Mac:
    1. Open Terminal from the Applications > Utilities folder.
    2. Type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter.
    3. Enter your administrator password if prompted.
    4. Close the Terminal window.

Flushing the DNS cache can resolve issues where outdated DNS information is causing connectivity problems, thereby fixing the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

5. Change DNS Servers

Switching to a different DNS server can bypass issues with your current DNS provider. Public DNS services like Google DNS and Cloudflare DNS are reliable alternatives that can enhance your internet connectivity.

  • Common DNS Servers:
    • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
    • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1
  • For Windows:
    1. Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
    2. Click on Change adapter settings on the left pane.
    3. Right-click on your active network connection and select Properties.
    4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
    5. Choose Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the new DNS addresses.
    6. Click OK to save the changes.
  • For Mac:
    1. Open System Preferences > Network.
    2. Select your active network connection and click Advanced.
    3. Go to the DNS tab.
    4. Click the + button and add the new DNS addresses.
    5. Click OK and then Apply.

You can also use an application that is easy to use, like a VPN connection for Cloudflare; I am also using it during browsing. You can download it for Windows or any OS here. https://one.one.one.one/

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cloudflare dns settings - Softwarecosmos.com

Changing your DNS servers can lead to faster internet speeds and resolve DNS-related errors caused by problematic DNS providers. In my experience, using 1.1.1.1 Cloudflare DNS has 100% solved this problem.

6. Disable VPN or Proxy

Turning off VPNs or proxies can eliminate conflicts in DNS resolution. VPNs and proxy servers route your internet traffic through different servers, which can sometimes interfere with DNS lookups.

  • Disable VPN:
    • Open your VPN application.
    • Click Disconnect or Turn Off.
  • Disable Proxy Settings:
    • For Windows:
      1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy.
      2. Toggle Use a proxy server to Off.
    • For Mac:
      1. Open System Preferences > Network.
      2. Select your network connection and click Advanced.
      3. Go to the Proxies tab.
      4. Uncheck any active proxies and click OK.

Disabling VPNs or proxies can help determine if these services are the root cause of the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. If disabling resolves the issue, consider reconfiguring your VPN or proxy settings.

7. Reset Network Settings

Resetting your network settings can resolve deeper connectivity issues affecting DNS resolution. This process restores your network configurations to their default state, eliminating misconfigurations that might be causing DNS errors.

  • For Windows:
    1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
    2. Scroll down and click on Network reset.
    3. Click Reset now and confirm the action.
    4. Your computer will restart to apply the changes.
  • For Mac:
    1. Open System Preferences > Network.
    2. Select your active network connection and click the button to remove it.
    3. Click the + button to add it back.
    4. Click Apply to save the changes.

Resetting network settings can fix persistent DNS issues by ensuring that all network configurations are correctly set up.

8. Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Disabling your antivirus software temporarily can help identify if it’s causing the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. Sometimes, security programs mistakenly block legitimate DNS requests, leading to connectivity issues.

  • Steps to Disable Antivirus:
    1. Open your antivirus program.
    2. Locate the option to disable or pause protection.
    3. Choose to disable it for a short period (e.g., 10 minutes).
    4. Attempt to access the problematic website.

Important: Remember to re-enable your antivirus after testing to maintain your computer’s security.

If disabling the antivirus resolves the issue, consider adjusting the software’s settings or switching to a different antivirus program that doesn’t interfere with DNS operations.

9. Check Hosts File

Reviewing and correcting your hosts file can prevent it from blocking access to certain websites. The hosts file maps domain names to IP addresses manually, and incorrect entries can override DNS settings, leading to errors.

  • For Windows:
    1. Press Win + R, type notepad C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts, and press Enter.
    2. Look for any entries related to the website causing the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.
    3. Remove or comment out these lines by adding a # at the beginning of each line.
    4. Save the file and close Notepad.
  • For Mac:
    1. Open Terminal from the Applications > Utilities folder.
    2. Type sudo nano /etc/hosts and press Enter.
    3. Enter your administrator password when prompted.
    4. Locate and remove any conflicting entries.
    5. Press Ctrl + O to save and Ctrl + X to exit.

Editing the host file ensures that your computer relies on DNS servers for resolving domain names, preventing unauthorized or incorrect mappings that lead to DNS errors.

10. Restart Browser

Restarting your browser can fix temporary glitches that might cause the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. Browser processes can sometimes become unstable, leading to connectivity issues.

  • Steps to Restart:
    1. Close all open browser windows.
    2. Reopen the browser.
    3. Attempt to access the website again.

If the error persists after restarting the browser, proceed with other troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide.

Preventive Measures to Avoid DNS Errors

Implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce the chances of encountering DNS-related errors like DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN. Here are some strategies to maintain a smooth and uninterrupted internet experience:

1. Regularly Update Your Browser

Keeping your web browser up to date ensures you have the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements. Outdated browsers can have bugs or vulnerabilities that may interfere with DNS resolution and overall connectivity.

  • How to Update:
    • For Google Chrome:
      1. Click on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
      2. Go to Help > About Google Chrome.
      3. Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them if available.
    • For Mozilla Firefox:
      1. Click on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner.
      2. Select Help > About Firefox.
      3. Firefox will check for updates and prompt you to restart if necessary.
    • For Microsoft Edge:
      1. Click on the three horizontal dots in the top-right corner.
      2. Go to Help and feedback > About Microsoft Edge.
      3. Edge will update automatically.
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Regular updates help prevent compatibility issues and ensure optimal performance, reducing the likelihood of DNS errors.

2. Maintain Router Firmware

Router manufacturers regularly update firmware to fix bugs, enhance security, and improve performance. Keeping your router’s firmware up to date can prevent connectivity issues that might lead to DNS errors.

  • How to Update Router Firmware:
    1. Access Router Settings: Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address (commonly 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) in the address bar.
    2. Login: Enter your router’s username and password.
    3. Find Firmware Update Section: Navigate to the Firmware Update or System Update section.
    4. Check for Updates: Click on Check for Updates or a similar option.
    5. Update: If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it.

Updating your router ensures that it operates efficiently and securely, minimizing the risk of DNS-related problems.

3. Use Reliable DNS Services

Using reliable DNS services can enhance your internet experience by providing faster and more secure DNS resolution. Public DNS providers like Google DNS and Cloudflare DNS are popular choices known for their speed and reliability.

  • Benefits of Reliable DNS Services:
    • Faster Resolution: Public DNS servers can respond more quickly to DNS queries, reducing page load times.
    • Increased Security: These services often include protection against phishing and malware.
    • Better Reliability: Reputable DNS providers have robust infrastructures, minimizing downtime and errors.

Switching to a trusted DNS service can prevent DNS-related issues and improve your overall browsing performance.

4. Monitor Security Software Settings

While antivirus and firewall programs are essential for protecting your computer, overly aggressive settings can sometimes block legitimate DNS requests. Monitoring and adjusting these settings can help prevent DNS errors.

  • How to Adjust Settings:
    • Antivirus Software:
      • Open your antivirus application.
      • Navigate to the Settings or Preferences section.
      • Look for options related to Web Protection or Firewall.
      • Adjust the settings to allow DNS requests or add exceptions for trusted programs.
    • Firewall Settings:
      • For Windows:
        1. Open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
        2. Click on Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
        3. Ensure that your browser and DNS services are allowed through the firewall.
      • For Mac:
        1. Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall.
        2. Click on Firewall Options.
        3. Add or ensure that your browser and DNS services are allowed.

Properly configuring your security software ensures that essential DNS functions are not interrupted while maintaining protection against threats.

5. Avoid Suspicious Websites

Visiting unreliable or suspicious websites can pose security risks and lead to DNS-related errors. These sites might host malware or have configurations that interfere with your DNS settings.

  • How to Stay Safe:
    • Use Trusted Sources: Stick to reputable websites and avoid clicking on suspicious links.
    • Enable Browser Security Features: Utilize built-in browser tools that warn against unsafe websites.
    • Be Cautious with Downloads: Only download files from trusted sources to prevent malware infections.

Maintaining safe browsing habits reduces the risk of encountering DNS errors caused by malicious activities or compromised websites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can clearing the DNS cache fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error?

Yes. Clearing the DNS cache removes outdated or corrupted entries, allowing your system to retrieve fresh DNS information, which can fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

2. Is changing DNS servers necessary to fix DNS errors?

No, but it can help. Changing DNS servers is not always necessary, but if your current DNS provider is experiencing issues, switching to a reliable alternative like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS can resolve DNS errors.

3. Does disabling antivirus software resolve DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN?

Yes and No. Temporarily disabling antivirus software can help identify if it’s causing the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. However, it’s not a permanent solution. Instead, adjust the antivirus settings to prevent it from blocking DNS requests.

4. Will resetting the router eliminate DNS errors permanently?

No. Resetting the router can fix temporary DNS issues, but if the problem persists, additional troubleshooting steps may be required to address underlying causes.

5. Can a VPN cause DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error?

Yes. VPNs can interfere with DNS resolution if they are misconfigured or experiencing technical issues. Disabling the VPN can help resolve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error.

Useful Resources

Conclusion

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error can really mess up your web browsing. But, knowing how to fix it is easy. By understanding why it happens and using the steps in this guide, you can solve the problem.

Keeping your browser and router up to date is important. Also, using good DNS services and checking your security software helps a lot. These steps can stop the error from happening again. They make your internet use smooth and uninterrupted.

Don’t give up if one fix doesn’t work. Keep trying until you find the right solution. This guide will help you deal with DNS errors and keep your internet running smoothly.

Deska D.K

Deska D.K

Hi! I’m Deska. I’m a professional author who loves writing engaging content. I enjoy telling stories that connect with readers and spark their imaginations.In my free time, I dive into music. Whether it’s listening to songs or discovering new artists, music inspires me. I also love reading books of all kinds, from exciting adventures to interesting facts that expand my knowledge.Watching movies is another favorite hobby of mine. I appreciate how films tell stories and convey emotions. I’m also really interested in technology and artificial intelligence. I love exploring how these advancements change our lives and creative work.Join me on my journey as I share my passion for writing, music, movies, and technology!