Many of us facing Server DNS Address Could Not Be Found errors while accessing and this post will help you to fix it.
Google Chrome is one of the most popular search engines used worldwide and is accessible on all operating systems, including Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android. Its benefits are infinite and have paved the way for the betterment of the world frequently. However, one common glitch which most of us would have encountered in this platform at some point or the other is the ‘Server DNS address could not be found.’ error.
It indicates that Chrome has detected an error about the Domain Name System (DNS) address of that particular website. Another format in which this notification might come up is the ‘Server IP address could not be found.’ message. In most cases, the underlying issues become similar and can solve with a couple of easy steps.
Let us look into DNS’s exact definition and what it signifies in the internet and technology.
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What Is Server DNS Address?
A domain name is the address of a website that has been assigned to it for identification by human beings. An IP address is also useful for the same purpose, the only difference being the usage of numbers in its composition.
The drawback with IP addresses is the difficulty in keeping track of the series of numbers, which can be quite mind-boggling in several scenarios. DNS servers of websites are always linking to their respective IP addresses.
The exact process of locating and opening a website is as follows. Usually, a DNS address is entered in the server, which eventually connects to the web page’s IP address, and the website is made accessible.
At times, this sequence of proceedings might be interrupted with warnings like ‘DNS address could not be found.’ It will intercept your attempts to gain entry to the website. This issue can resolve through several methods, and we have listed all possible ways below. So have a look.
How to Fix The ‘Server DNS Address Could Not Be Found’ Error
Method 1: Try Updating Drivers
One of the common reasons why you are unable to resolve the server’s DNS address error could have arisen from the usage of either an outdated or a corrupt driver. This problem can rectify through both automatic as well as manual methods. The steps mentioned below need to follow to ensure that this process takes place effectively.
Updating the device’s driver:
Step 1: Select ‘Device Manager’ from the taskbar by utilizing the search box.
Step 2: View the devices’ names by selecting the appropriate category and then right-click to choose the device you wish to update.
Step 3: Now select the option which reads, ‘Search automatically for updated driver software.’
Step 4: Then, press the ‘Update Driver.’ button.
If Windows does not find a new driver by default, try to look upon the manufacturer’s website and follow the instructions listed there.
Reinstall the device’s driver:
Step 1: Again, select ‘Device Manager’ from the taskbar.
Step 2: Choose ‘Uninstall’ from the list of options after right-clicking it.
Step 3: When you restart your PC, Windows will reinstall the driver.
Method 2: Clear Chrome’s host cache
There are chances that the ‘Server IP address could not be found.’ error was caused either due to the host cache becoming too full or due to it get corrupted, which is capable of blocking your entry into certain websites.
Sometimes, there are also chances that this error is caused due to the extensions added to the browser. If this is the root cause of the trouble, you will be able to sort it out in a couple of simple steps, which are as follows:
Step 1: First, click the three dots on the top right corner of your browsing page and press the ‘New Incognito Window’ option to open the Incognito Mode in Chrome.
Step 2: Open Chrome and type the following link in the search bar:
chrome://net-internals/#dns
Step 3: Now press Enter, and a dialogue box will open.
Step 4: After this step, you will see a button that reads ‘Clear host cache.’ Next to it, you will find an option called ‘Host resolver cache.’
Step 5: A command window will open now when you click on ‘Start’ and choose ‘Run.’
Step 6: Type ‘cmd’ in the text field and enter ipconfig /flushdns.
Step 7: Now refresh the page to check if the issue is solved or not. If not, check out the other methods we have mentioned below.
Method 3: Deletion of files present in ETC folder
There are chances that the triggering of error messages like ‘DNS address could not be found’ could be due to the presence of extra files in important folders of your operating system. However, it is mandatory to ensure that all of your important files are backed up safely if this step deletes a necessary file by mistake.
Step 1: Launch the File Explorer by pressing the “Windows” + “E” keys.
Step 2: Go to the location mentioned below in the File Explorer.
C:\Windows\Sytem32\drivers\etc
Step 3: To select all the files present in this folder, click “Ctrl” + “A” and then press “Shift” + “Delete.” The files will get deleted.
Method 4: Try changing DNS server settings
You might be unable to resolve the server’s DNS address issue due to the incorrect configuration of the DNS servers themselves. It can also ensure by following a few simple steps:
The first step of this process comprises checking the configuration by prompting a Run command.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and R on the keyboard simultaneously. A textbox till open now. Type ‘Control Panel’ in it and click OK.
Step 2: A list will appear when you choose the ‘View by Small Icons’ option. Press the option which reads Network and Sharing Center.
Step 3: Select the option ‘Change adapter settings.’
Step 4: A connection icon will be available, either at the Local Area Connection or Wireless Network Connection, and right-click the Connection icon to select Properties.
Step 5: Here, select the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and choose Properties.
Step 6: Now, go to the General tab and follow either one of the steps given below:
- If the ‘Obtain DNS server address automatically’ has not been selected yet, click on it and give ‘OK.’
- If the option has been selected already, click on ‘Use the following DNS server address’ and give ‘OK.’
- Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
- Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
Step 7: Recheck in the browser to see the problem is solved or not.
Method 5: Flush the DNS Cache
The IP addresses of all the websites which have been visited by you are stored in Windows to speed up the process of opening them the next time you wish to. However, there are chances that this cache might get full and become corrupt as a result.
It might even become outdated and cause issues because of this. Hence, it is advisable to flush the cache once while trying out different methods to rectify the ‘DNS address could not be found’ error.
Step 1: First press Windows+R together to open run command window.
Step 2: Now, type cmd followed by Ctrl+Shift+Enter. It will open an administrator Command Prompt.
Step 3: Here, type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter finally.
Step 4: Now type ipconfig /renew and press Enter again.
Step 5: After this, type ipconfig /registerdns and click on Enter.
Step 6: Finally, reboot your PC once to verify.
Method 6: Verify IP and add to Hosts files
Usually, DNS servers are necessary to query the IP, and hence this method might not work. But if only certain websites fail to open and others operate generally, you can try this solution.
Step 1: Click on the following link and try to open it by replacing domain.com with the name of the website you want to open. Also, note down its IP address.
https://www.whatsmydns.com/#A/domain.com
Step 2: The IP which has been used the most will be the right one. Copy it from the dialogue box.
Step 3: Next, either click on the Windows Key (Right-Click) or the Start button and choose the Run as Administrator option.
Step 4: Navigate through File >> Open and browse:
C:\Windows\Systems32\drivers\etc
Step 5: Select All Files and choose Hosts to open it.
Step 6: The IP address 127.0.0.1 domain.com should be added at the bottom of the file.
Step 7: Finally, replace 127.0.0.1 and the domain which was copied earlier with the queried domain.
Method 7: Try restarting DNS client service
How Windows services run on your system can be modified by Windows Services (services.msc). These services manage most system settings and resources. The smooth running of available programs is also made possible by them. DNS Client service is a part of the services mentioned above. At times, restarting it might solve the problem.
Step 1: First, click on the Win + R keys together to open the Run dialogue box.
Step 2: Now, type services.msc and either click Enter or ‘OK.’
Step 3: After this step, open the Services window and right-click “DNS Client.” Now, press on “Restart.”
Method 8: Reinstall Chrome
There are possibilities that the error is present in the browser and not in the configuration of networks. If this is the case, the best solution would be to uninstall and reinstall your default browser from its official website.
Step 1: First, open the Start menu by choosing the Windows logo located in the taskbar. Click on the ‘Settings’ icon.
Step 2: The pop-up menu will open now. Select ‘Apps’ and scroll down the list till you locate Google Chrome.
Step 3: Click ‘Uninstall.’ Again, you will receive a second prompt. Repeat the same process.
These steps will lead to the uninstallation of Google Chrome from your system. However, all of your information will store safely, and that will not be an issue. Next, you will have to follow the steps given below to download Chrome again.
Step 4: Open some other browser and type “google.com/chrome.” Press Enter.
Step 5: Now, navigate through Download Chrome >> Accept and Install >> Save File.
Step 6: Locate the installer in the Downloads folder. Open File Explorer and click twice on “ChromeSetup.” It will open the file. Next, click on the Run button.
This solution might work for you if the problem has been detected in the browser. Other methods will have to be undertaken if you can still resolve the server’s DNS address issue.
Method 9: Opening New Tab Page
There are chances that the root cause of DNS errors could be browser extensions or just some specific pages in general. Hence, we could configure Chrome and open a new tab to check if that solves the issue. Follow the below mention steps to solve this error:
Step 1: At the top-right corner of the chrome browser page, you will be able to view three dots. Click on it to open Settings.
Step 2: On the left pane, select the “Appearance” option from the settings.
Step 3: Under this category, you will view a heading called “On Startup.” Click on the “Open the New Tab Page” option present here.
Step 4: Now restart Chrome.
Following the methods mentioned here might sort out the ‘DNS address could not be found.’ issue of your browser.
Method 10: Try using VPN
The DNS error has likely been encountered due to issues with your demographic location. Certain websites might deny you access to their page solely based on where you are located while searching.
It is essential to make sure that you approach this method with sufficient knowledge and use the VPN of a reputed organization to stay clear from unnecessary hindrances.
Method 11: Removal of the prediction service
It is a well-known fact that Chrome always gives out recommendations in the search engine while browsing the internet. But there are chances that this could disrupt the browser’s functioning and cause errors like ‘Server IP address could not be found.’ Hence, we could temporarily disable this option to detect the actual cause of the problem.
Step 1: First, open Chrome and go to the top-right corner of the page to view the menu icon. Open the drop-down menu and select ‘Settings’ from it.
Step 2: Go to the bottom of the page and select the ‘Advanced’ option. It will take you to advanced settings.
Step 3: Navigate to the “Privacy and Security” section and switch off the option which reads “Use a prediction service to help complete …”.
Keep scrolling down this section to view another option called “Use a prediction service to load pages …” and switch that off as well.
Method 12: Run the network troubleshooter
It is advisable to run the network troubleshooter once, as there are chances that Windows’s core features might have faced glitches due to this issue. This problem can be rectified by:
Step 1: Launch the settings by clicking on “Windows” + “I.”
Step 2: Now select the “Update and Security” option and choose the “Troubleshoot” button located on the page’s left side.
Step 3: Press the “Internet Connections” option and select the ‘Run the troubleshooter’ option.
Method 13: Disabling the Proxy settings
In case your system is configured to proxy settings, this could inadvertently lead to the ‘Server DNS address could not be found.’ error. It can be rectified in a few simple steps. For Windows 10:
Step 1: Open the Menu button, which is present on the right-upper corner of the page, and open Settings.
Step 2: Keep scrolling till you can view the Advanced option. Go to the System section and select ‘Open your computer’s proxy settings.’
Step 3: You will view two sections called Automatic proxy setup and Manual proxy setup, respectively.
Step 4: Under the Automatic proxy setup option, two settings, namely, Automatically detect settings & Use setup script, can be observed. Switch off both of them.
Step 5: Under the Manual proxy setup option, turn off Use a proxy server and click on Save.
For Windows 8.1 and other older versions, you have to follow the below-given method:
Step 1: Click on both the Windows + R simultaneously.
Step 2: When the run dialogue box opens, type in “MSConfig” and press ‘OK.’
Step 3: In the system configuration window, you will view the boot option. Now click the “Safe Boot” option.
Step 4: Select Apply and click on ‘OK.’
Step 5: Boot into a safe mood by restarting your PC.
Step 6: Press the ‘Windows + R’ keys again and enter “inetcpl.cpl” in the Run dialogue box. Click ‘Enter’ to execute this option.
Step 7: A dialogue box will appear on your screen now. Click on the Connections tab in this box.
Step 8: Now, uncheck the “Use a proxy server for your LAN” box and click OK.
Step 9: Again, open MSConfig and uncheck the safe boot option. Save changes and restart the system.
Method 14: Resetting Internet Explorer Settings
When Internet Explorer faces glitches, it is likely to cause ‘DNS address could not be found’ errors. Resetting the browser to its default settings might prove to be a solution for this issue.
Step 1: First, press the ‘Windows + R’ keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialogue box.
Step 2: Type “inetcpl.cpl” in the given space and click on ‘Enter’ to open it.
Step 3: Now select the “Advanced” tab and click on the “Reset” button located at the bottom of your screen.
Step 4: Open the Chrome browser and press the three dots present on the top right corner.
Step 5: Scroll down till you reach the ‘Advanced’ option and click on it.
Step 5: You can see the “Reset settings to their original Defaults” option at the bottom of the screen. Select it.
Method 15: Scan for Malware
There are chances that the DNS address error is caused due to the attack of malware on your system. This issue can easily detect if we run periodic scans to see such harmful external factors.
- First, find out if your system is a 32-bit or a 64-bit version of Windows.
- Next, you have to download and run the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool on your system.
- You can also try updating the existing anti-virus software you have on your system.
- Next, run a complete scan of your system to detect the presence of malware.
Conclusion:
It is all about a list of all the possible solutions for solving the ‘Server DNS address could not be found’ error. This issue is sure to get rectified through any one of these methods. It is advisable to contact a certified service agent if the problem does not cease even after applying all these methods.
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