DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Mean & How to Fix It?
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What Does DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Mean & How to Fix It?

Author: Brian Denim

  

Last Updated: December 13th, 2024

If you’ve been browsing the internet and encountered the frustrating error “DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN”, you’re not alone. This error can prevent you from accessing websites, leaving you puzzled about the cause and solution.

However, don’t worry, this guide will help you understand what the error means and how to fix it effectively. We’ll walk you through the various causes of the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error and provide clear, step-by-step instructions to resolve it.

Additionally, we’ll give you helpful tips on how to avoid encountering this problem in the future.

What Is the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error?

What Is the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error occurs in web browsers when they are unable to connect to the requested website. This error is often seen in Google Chrome, but it can also appear in other browsers under different names.

What Does NXDOMAIN Mean?

The term NXDOMAIN stands for Non-Existent Domain, which essentially means that the browser could not find the IP address associated with the domain name you entered.

This is because the DNS (Domain Name System) server failed to resolve the domain to an IP address.

In simple terms, when you try to visit a website, your browser sends a request to a DNS server to translate the domain name (e.g., www.example.com) into an IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.1) so it can connect to the server. If the DNS server cannot find the domain, it returns the NXDOMAIN error.

This error can be particularly concerning, especially if you are trying to access your own website or important services.

However, in most cases, it is a problem with your computer’s DNS settings, and with a few troubleshooting steps, you can resolve the issue.

Common Causes of the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error can occur for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Incorrect Domain Name

Sometimes the simplest explanation is the correct one. If you’ve mistyped the domain name in the browser’s address bar, the DNS server won’t be able to resolve it to an IP address, resulting in the NXDOMAIN error. Even if the website URL was provided to you by someone else, double-check that the domain is correct.

2. DNS Server Issues

Your computer relies on DNS servers to resolve domain names to IP addresses. If the DNS server is down or experiencing technical issues, you may see this error. This could be the case if your internet service provider’s DNS server is unavailable or misconfigured.

3. Corrupted DNS Cache

Web browsers and operating systems often cache DNS information to speed up access to websites. Over time, this cache can become outdated or corrupted, leading to resolution failures and the NXDOMAIN error.

4. Misconfigured Network Settings

If you or your network administrator have manually changed the DNS settings, there could be an error in the configuration, causing this issue. For example, if the DNS server addresses have been incorrectly set, or if your router is using a DNS server that’s no longer working, you might encounter this problem.

5. Firewall or Security Software Blocking DNS Requests

Sometimes, firewalls, VPNs, or antivirus software can block or interfere with DNS requests. These programs are designed to protect your computer from malicious activities, but they can occasionally block legitimate connections as well.

6. Website Server Downtime

While it’s less common, the issue may not be on your end at all. If the website you’re trying to access is down or experiencing problems with its server, you may see the NXDOMAIN error.

How to Fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

1. Check the Domain Name for Typos

The first and simplest thing you should do is check for any typing errors in the domain name. Sometimes, even a small mistake, like missing a letter or using the wrong top-level domain (e.g., .org instead of .com), can lead to this error.

What to do:

  • Double-check the URL in your browser’s address bar for accuracy.
  • Ensure that the domain name has the correct extension (e.g., .com, .net).
  • If you’re clicking a link, ensure the link itself isn’t broken or misspelled.

2. Clear Your Browser’s Cache

Cached data, including DNS information, can sometimes lead to errors if it becomes outdated or corrupted. Clearing your browser cache can help resolve the issue.

How to clear your cache in Google Chrome:

  1. Open Chrome and go to chrome://settings/clearBrowserData.
  2. Select All time as the time range.
  3. Check the box for Cached images and files.
  4. Click Clear data.

If you’re using a different browser, look for similar cache-clearing options in the browser’s settings menu.

3. Restart Your Computer and Router

Restarting both your computer and your router can often resolve DNS-related issues. This helps refresh network settings and may clear temporary problems with DNS resolution.

Steps to restart your devices:

  • Computer: Close all programs and restart your system.
  • Router: Unplug your router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.

After restarting, try visiting the website again to see if the error has been resolved.

4. Flush Your Computer’s DNS Cache

Flushing your computer’s DNS cache forces your system to discard outdated or corrupted DNS information and obtain new data. This is especially useful if the DNS cache on your system is causing the issue.

For Windows:

  1. Open the Command Prompt (search for it in the Start menu).
  2. Type ipconfig /flushdns and press Enter.
  3. You should see a message saying the DNS cache has been successfully flushed.

For macOS:

  1. Open Terminal (search for it in Spotlight).
  2. Type sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder and press Enter.
  3. Enter your password when prompted.

After flushing the DNS cache, try to visit the website again.

5. Release and Renew Your IP Address

Sometimes, renewing your computer’s IP address can fix network connectivity problems. This is especially helpful if the DNS server assigned to your computer is experiencing issues.

For Windows:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Type the following commands in order, pressing Enter after each one:

ipconfig /release

ipconfig /flushdns

ipconfig /renew
  1. After running these commands, try accessing the website again.

6. Change Your DNS Server

If your ISP’s DNS server is having issues, switching to a more reliable public DNS server may resolve the problem. Public DNS servers such as Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS are known to be fast and reliable.

How to change your DNS server:

  1. Open the Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Click Change adapter settings.
  3. Right-click your active connection and select Properties.
  4. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
  5. Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter the following:
    • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
    • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
  6. Click OK to save the changes.

After changing the DNS server, try visiting the website again.

7. Disable VPN or Proxy

VPNs and proxies can sometimes interfere with DNS resolution. If you are using a VPN or proxy, try disabling it temporarily to see if the error goes away.

What to do:

  • Turn off your VPN or proxy settings.
  • Restart your browser and try accessing the website.

8. Check the Hosts File

Your computer’s hosts file can sometimes contain incorrect information that interferes with DNS resolution. If the website you are trying to visit is incorrectly listed in this file, it can cause the NXDOMAIN error.

To check and edit the hosts file:

  1. Navigate to the hosts file:
    • Windows: C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc\hosts
    • macOS: /private/etc/hosts
  2. Open the file with a text editor (e.g., Notepad on Windows).
  3. Look for any entries that correspond to the website you are trying to visit.
  4. If you find any incorrect entries, delete them and save the file.

After making changes, restart your browser and try accessing the website.

Final Thoughts

The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error can be frustrating, but it is usually fixable with a few simple steps. By checking for typos, clearing your browser cache, flushing your DNS cache, or changing your DNS servers, you can resolve the issue and get back to browsing.

In more complex cases, problems with your network settings, firewall, or hosts file could be the culprit. If you have tried all of these methods and the issue persists, it might be worth reaching out to your internet service provider or hosting provider to investigate further.

By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error and ensure that you are able to access websites without any issues in the future.

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Brian Denim
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Brian Denim

Brian Denim is a WordPress expert and tech enthusiast. He helps others optimize and enhance their WordPress websites through writing, speaking engagements, and consulting. Brian is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and helping others achieve their online goals.

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