The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error is the error message most associated with the failure of the browsing application to connect you to a website, thus caused by problems in the Domain Name System. A system responsible for translating domain names such as example.com into familiar IP addresses for computers is what the Domain Name System is, making it the major cause of the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error. It may come in different ways depending on your browser. For instance, with Google Chrome, it may say, "This site can't be reached." With Firefox, it might say, "Hmm. We're having trouble finding that site.". Further, we will understand the issues related to DNS, which common errors cause this error, and how we can troubleshoot this error for different devices and browsers that have been used for that purpose.Understanding DNSThe DNS is like a phonebook but is for the internet, finding human-readable domain names (like example.com) to convert to machine-readable IP addresses like 192.168.1.1. You type in a website address on your browser, and the DNS checks up the corresponding IP address and sends your computer to the appropriate server. This makes sure that it can smoothly navigate and access websites all around the vast internet network. DNS runs as a distributed system; this means no single control, instead around multiple servers across the globe. The structure of decentralized systems avails reliability and resilience, ensuring even when some DNS servers go down with them. The distributed nature of DNS also contributes to the scalability of the internet, where growth and expansion can keep occurring within the online world.Causes of The DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN ErrorThe DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error appears when your browser fails to connect to a website due to the failure of the Domain Name System to resolve the domain name for that website to an IP address. It is a relatively irritating error, but it is easily solvable. So, here are the reasons why there is such failure in the resolution process:Spelling mistakes in the domain name: Check the address you are trying to reach for any spelling errors. A typo may cause DNS not to resolve.Expired or unregistered domain: When a domain name has expired or is no longer registered, it cannot be resolved to an IP address. Use the search tools available on a domain registrar to check the status of your domain.Intermittent loss of internet connection: DNS resolution errors may result from lost or fluctuating networks. Try refreshing your router or modem or check the status with your service provider.Security plugin or CDN blocking access: Lists or rules used in some security plugins or content delivery networks (CDNs) might include specific domains or IP addresses that are then blocked. Disable them temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.DNS Server settings: probably out of tune on your machine: There could be a misconfigured DNS server setting on your computer— possibly by default from Windows or through the ISP— which must have resulted in such a non-resolution. Flush the DNS cache or change your DNS server to a public one, such as Google DNS or Cloudflare.Interference from VPN: VPNs can sometimes interfere with DNS resolution, especially when they have highly strong privacy settings. Try disabling your VPN and see if this resolves it for you.How to Troubleshoot the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error?Here are the two ways to troubleshoot the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error:Basic SolutionsRestart your internet connection and computer: Sometimes, this can simplify and solve temporary network-related problems. A restarting procedure might refresh the process in your computer to clear off minor issues causing you a DNS error.Flush DNS cache: Your computer always maintains a cache to load websites faster. It is likely that you can get DNS errors if your DNS cache is old or corrupted. This solution deletes all the records in your cache and forces your computer to retrieve fresh DNS information.Refresh your IP address: Your ISP assigns an IP address to you. Occasionally, refreshing your IP address can be a simple fix to DNS errors because your ISP may sometimes experience temporary issues on their end of the network.Restart DNS client service (Windows only): The DNS client service is the client service performing the resolution of DNS queries on your Windows computer. Restarting the DNS client service is usually effective in solving problems in connection with its configuration or operation.Advanced SolutionsChange DNS servers: ISPs usually assign the DNS server for the computer automatically, but you can easily switch to public DNS servers like Google 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 or Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Indeed, public DNS servers are usually faster and more reliable than any DNS server coming from an ISP.Disable antivirus and VPN: Possibly, antivirus and VPN software are interfering with DNS resolution. Maybe if we deactivate those for some time, it will be better to check if the error is causing them or not.Double-check the entry within your local host's file: The host file for your personal computer can be used manually to map domain names to IP addresses. In the case where your website is mapped in the host's file, it can prevent DNS resolutions and cause you to experience this issue. Go through your host's files, look for any type of entry concerning your website, and remove them if you so desire.Reset Chrome flags (if using Chrome): These are experimental features that sometimes result in clashes with DNS resolution. Resetting chrome flags to their default settings could resolve the error if the cause is indeed chrome flags.Commands to TroubleshootCommandPurposeipconfig /flushdns (Windows)Flushes the DNS cache to clear outdated information.sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder (macOS)Clears DNS cache on macOS.netsh winsock reset (Windows)Resets the Winsock catalog, resolving network issues.netsh int ip reset (Windows)Resets TCP/IP settings to their default state.ping domain.comChecks if a domain is reachable and resolves correctly.Wrapping UpThe DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error is frustrating but pretty easy to be solved. By following those troubleshooting steps both ways, you will soon find a fix to the problem and regain your internet access. Do not forget to look at your domain name, network settings, and DNS configurations when looking for the root cause of why it won't work accordingly. And if the problems do not fade away even after doing the above, then one need not hesitate to seek further help from either your internet service provider or your hosting provider.Read Morehttps://devopsden.io/article/devops-benefits-for-businessFollow us onhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/devopsden/
