A corrupted or malfunctioning Domain Name System (DNS) can be a frustrating and perplexing issue, preventing you from accessing websites and online services. However, with a few troubleshooting steps and some patience, you can often resolve DNS problems and restore your internet connectivity. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 10 effective methods to fix a corrupted DNS and get you back online.
Check Your Internet Connection
Before diving into DNS-specific troubleshooting, it’s essential to ensure that your device is connected to the internet. You can do this by pinging a well-known website like Google.com using the command prompt or terminal. If you receive replies, your internet connection is active, and the issue is likely related to DNS. If not, you may have a network connectivity problem that needs to be addressed first.
Flush Your DNS Cache
Your computer stores DNS responses in a cache to speed up future requests to the same domain names. However, this cache can become outdated or corrupted, leading to DNS resolution issues. Flushing the DNS cache clears out these stored records and forces your computer to retrieve new information from the DNS servers.
To flush the DNS cache on Windows, open the Command Prompt and enter the following command:
`ipconfig /flushdns`
On Linux, use the following command:
`sudo systemd-resolve –flush-caches`
For macOS, open Terminal and enter:
`sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder`
Change Your DNS Server
Sometimes, the issue may lie with your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) DNS server being slow or unreliable. You can try changing your computer’s DNS settings to use alternative DNS servers, such as those provided by Google (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
To change your DNS server on Windows, follow these steps:
- Open the Network Connections window.
- Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties”.
- Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties”.
- Select “Use the following DNS server addresses” and enter the desired DNS server addresses.
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
On macOS, you can change the DNS server settings in the System Preferences under the Network section.
Disable IPv6
If your network or DNS server is not fully compatible with IPv6, it can cause DNS resolution issues. Temporarily disabling IPv6 on your device can help determine if the problem is related to the IPv6 protocol.
To disable IPv6 on Windows, follow these steps:
- Open the Network Connections window.
- Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties”.
- Uncheck the box next to “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”.
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
On macOS, you can disable IPv6 in the Network preferences under the Advanced settings for your active connection.
Restart Your Router
Network connection issues can sometimes be resolved by restarting your internet router. This process clears any corrupted DNS entries stored in the router’s cache and renews your connection.
To restart your router:
- Turn off your router and unplug it from the power source.
- Wait for at least 30 seconds.
- Plug in your router and turn it on.
- Wait for the router to fully boot up and establish a connection.
Update Your Router’s Firmware
Outdated router firmware can sometimes cause connectivity issues that prevent proper DNS lookups. Check your router manufacturer’s website for any available firmware updates and follow their instructions to update your router’s firmware.
Disable Antivirus Software and Firewalls
Antivirus software and firewalls can sometimes interfere with DNS resolution, especially if they are set to block certain connections. Temporarily disabling these security measures can help determine if they are causing the DNS issues.
Be sure to re-enable your antivirus software and firewall once you have resolved the DNS problem to maintain your device’s security.
Disable Secondary Connections
If you have multiple network connections enabled on your device, such as Ethernet and Wi-Fi, it can sometimes cause DNS conflicts. Disabling any secondary connections and using only your primary connection can help resolve DNS issues.
To disable secondary connections on Windows, open the Network Connections window, right-click on the connection you want to disable, and select “Disable”.
Update Your Network Adapter Drivers
Outdated or corrupted network adapter drivers can also contribute to DNS problems. Check your computer manufacturer’s website for the latest network adapter drivers and install them to see if it resolves the DNS issues.
Disable the Windows Peer-to-Peer Feature
Windows has a peer-to-peer feature that can sometimes interfere with DNS resolution. Disabling this feature may help resolve DNS issues on Windows devices.
To disable the peer-to-peer feature:
- Open the Windows Settings app.
- Navigate to “Network & Internet” and select “Advanced network settings”.
- Click on “More settings” under the “Windows Update” section.
- Turn off the “Allow downloads from other PCs” option.
By following these 10 troubleshooting tips, you should be able to resolve most DNS issues and restore your internet connectivity. If the problem persists, you may need to contact your ISP for further assistance or consider using a different DNS service provider.