DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN: How To Fix The Problem
Write By Lily Rose
My name is Lily Rose, and I am a dedicated content writer with 5 years of experience specializing in the flower niche. I craft engaging and informative content, sharing my passion for all things floral.
Have you ever tried to visit a website only to be greeted by a frustrating error message? If you’ve encountered the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error, you’re not alone.
This pesky problem can stop you in your tracks, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what causes this error and, more importantly, how to fix it. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get your internet browsing back on track!
Before we jump into solutions, let’s break down what this error actually means. DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is like the phonebook of the internet. When you type awebsite address into your browser, DNS translates that human-friendly name into an IP address that computers understand. The NXDOMAIN part of the error means “non-existent domain.” So, when you see this error message, it’s essentially saying, “Hey, I can’t find the address for this site you’re looking for!”
This DNS error can occur for various reasons. Maybe the domain has expired, or there’s a hiccup in your network connection. Sometimes, it’s a simple cache issue, while other times, it might be a more complex DNS problem. Whatever the cause, this error prevents your browser from reaching the webpage you want to visit.
What Causes the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error?
Understanding the root causes of this DNS problem is crucial for effective troubleshooting. Here are some common culprits:
Domain name expiration or deregistration
Incorrect DNS server settings
Outdated DNS cache on your device
Network connection issues
Firewall or antivirus software interference
Problems with your Internet Service Provider
Each of these factors can disrupt the DNS resolution process, leading to the NXDOMAIN error. Let’s explore some of these causes in more detail.
Domain Name has Expired
One of the most straightforward reasons for this error is that the domain you’re trying to reach no longer exists. Domain registration isn’t permanent – it needs to be renewed periodically. If a website owner forgets to renew their domain, it becomes inactive, and you’ll get the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN message when trying to visit it.
To check if this is the case, you can use ICANN‘s WHOIS lookup tool. Simply enter the domain name, and you’ll see its current status. If it shows as expired or inactive, that’s likely your culprit. For website owners, this is a reminder to keep your domain ownership up to date to avoid disruptions for your visitors.
Your device stores DNS records in its cache to speed up future visits to websites. However, if these records become outdated, they can cause DNS resolution problems. Imagine if your phone’s contact list had an old number for a friend – you’d have trouble reaching them, right? It’s the same with DNS cache issues.
Clearing your DNS cache can often resolve this problem. It’s like giving your device a fresh start in terms of DNS lookup. We’ll cover how to do this in the solutions section, so keep reading!
How to Fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error
Now that we understand what causes this error, let’s dive into how to fix it. We’ll cover several methods, from simple to more advanced. Remember, what works for one person might not work for another, so don’t get discouraged if the first solution doesn’t do the trick.
DNS Cache Clearance
Clearing your DNS cache is often the quickest way to resolve this issue. Here’s how to do it on different operating systems:
For Windows:
Open Command Prompt as an administrator
Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter
You should see a message confirming the DNS cache was successfully flushed
For macOS:
Open Terminal
Type sudo dscacheutil -flushcache; sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter
Enter your admin password when prompted
For Chrome:
Type chrome://net-internals/#dns in the address bar
Click on “Clear host cache”
After clearing your cache, restart your browser and try accessing the website again.
Switch to a New DNS Server
Sometimes, the DNS server you’re using might be the source of the problem. Switching to a public DNS server like Google’s or Cloudflare’s can often resolve the issue. Here’s how to change your DNS settings:
For Windows:
Go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center
Click on “Change adapter settings”
Right-click on your active network connection and select “Properties”
Select “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and click “Properties”
Choose “Use the following DNS server addresses”
Enter 8.8.8.8 for the Preferred DNS server and 8.8.4.4 for the Alternate (Google’s public DNS)
For macOS:
Go to System Preferences > Network
Select your active network connection and click “Advanced”
Go to the DNS tab
Click the “+” button to add new DNS servers
Enter 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
After changing your DNS server, restart your browser and try accessing the site again.
Request Another IP Address
Sometimes, requesting a new IP address from your router can solve the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. This process is called releasing and renewing your IP configuration. Here’s how to do it:
For Windows:
Open Command Prompt as an administrator
Type ipconfig /release and press Enter
Then type ipconfig /renew and press Enter
For macOS:
Go to System Preferences > Network
Select your active connection and click “Advanced”
Go to the TCP/IP tab
Click “Renew DHCP Lease”
After getting a new IP address, restart your browser and check if the error persists.
Look into the Local Hosts File
The hosts file on your computer can override DNS lookups. If it contains incorrect entries, it could cause the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. Here’s how to check and edit your hosts file:
For Windows:
Open Notepad as administrator
File > Open > C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
Look for any entries related to the site you’re trying to access
If found, remove or comment them out with a # at the start of the line
For macOS:
Open Terminal
Type sudo nano /private/etc/hosts and press Enter
Enter your admin password
Look for and remove any entries related to the problematic site
Press Ctrl+X, then Y, then Enter to save and exit
After editing the hosts file, restart your browser and try accessing the website again.
DNS Client Service Refresh
On Windows, the DNS Client service manages the DNS cache. Restarting this service can sometimes resolveDNS issues. Here’s how:
Press Windows+R, type services.msc, and press Enter
Find “DNS Client” in the list
Right-click on it and select “Restart”
After restarting the service, check if the error is resolved.
Turn Off Antivirus Programs or VPNs
Sometimes, security software or VPNs can interfere with your network connection and cause DNS problems. Temporarily disabling them can help identify if they’re the cause:
Locate your antivirus or VPN software in the system tray
Right-click and look for an option to disable or turn off
Try accessing the website again
Remember to re-enable your security software after testing!
If you’re a website owner experiencing this error, your Content Delivery Network (CDN) might be the culprit. Temporarily disabling your CDN can help identify if it’s causing the issue:
Log into your CDN provider’s dashboard
Look for an option to pause or disable the service
Test your site without the CDN active
If this resolves the issue, contact your CDN provider for further assistance.
Reset All Chrome Flags
If you’re using Chrome and experiencing this error, resetting Chrome flags might help:
Type chrome://flags in the address bar
Click “Reset all” at the top right
Restart Chrome and try accessing the site again
Restart Your Connection
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. Restarting your internet connection can often resolve various network issues:
Unplug your modem and router
Wait for about 30 seconds
Plug in your modem and wait for it to fully restart
Then plug in your router and wait for it to establish a connection
Try accessing the website again
Error Message Examples on Different Browsers
Different web browsers may display the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error in various ways:
Chrome: “This site can’t be reached”
Firefox: “Hmm. We’re having trouble finding that site.”
Safari: “Safari can’t find the server”
Edge: “Hmmm… can’t reach this page”
Regardless of how it’s displayed, the underlying issue is the same – a DNS resolution problem.
The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error can be frustrating, but with the methods we’ve covered, you’re well-equipped to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. Remember, DNS problems can stem from various sources, so don’t be afraid to try multiple solutions. If you’ve gone through all these steps and still can’t access the site, it might be time to contact your Internet Service Provider or seek professional IT help.
Keep in mind that the internet is a complex system, and occasional hiccups are normal. By understanding common errors like this one and knowing how to address them, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the online world smoothly. Happy browsing, and may your future web adventures be error-free!
