DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN: Causes and Solutions

If you’ve ever tried to access a website only to receive the “site can’t be reached” error message with the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error code, you know just how frustrating it can be. This error can occur for various reasons, from issues with your local DNS cache to problems with the domain name server.

In this article, we’ll explore the error in depth, including its causes and potential solutions. We’ll also provide step-by-step instructions for how to fix the error so you can get back online as quickly as possible.

What is the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error?

The DNS probe error is a type of DNS (Domain Name System) error that occurs when your browser cannot resolve a website’s domain name. This error message indicates that the domain name server could not find the IP address associated with the domain name you entered.

The “Nxdomain” part of the error message stands for “non-existent domain,” which means that the domain you entered doesn’t exist in the DNS server’s database. This can happen for various reasons, such as a typo in the domain name or an issue with the domain name server itself.

Causes of the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

There are several reasons why you might encounter the DNS Probe Finished Nxdomain error. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Issues with your local DNS cache: Sometimes, your local DNS cache can become corrupted or outdated, which can prevent your browser from accessing certain websites.
2. Problems with the domain name server: If the domain name server is experiencing issues, it may not be able to resolve the domain name you’re trying to access.
3. Issues with your local hosts’ file: Your hosts’ file is a text file that maps hostnames to IP addresses. If this file is configured wrong, it can prevent your browser from accessing certain websites.
4. Incorrect DNS server addresses: If your DNS server addresses are incorrect, your browser won’t be able to connect to the domain name server.

How to Fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Error

If you’re experiencing the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error, there are several potential solutions you can try to fix it. Here are some of the most effective methods:

Restart the Following DNS Server Addresses

This solution involves restarting the DNS server addresses to clear out any potential issues. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “ncpa.cpl” into the box and press Enter.
3. Right-click on your network adapter and select “Properties.”
4. Click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and then click “Properties.”
5. Select “Obtain DNS server address automatically” and click “OK.”
6. Restart your computer and try reaccessing the website.

Release and Renew Your IP Address

Sometimes, the issue may be with your IP address rather than the DNS server. To release and renew your IP address, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “cmd” into the box and press Enter.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type “ipconfig /release” and press Enter.
4. Then, type “ipconfig /renew” and press Enter.
5. Restart your computer and try reaccessing the website.

Check Your Local Hosts File

If there’s an issue with your local hosts file, it can prevent your browser from accessing certain websites. To check your hosts file, follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type “sudo nano /private/etc/hosts” and press Enter.
3. Check to ensure that there are no entries for the website you’re trying to access.
4. If there are, delete them and save the file.
5. Restart your computer and try accessing the website again.

Enter the Following DNS Server Addresses

If your DNS server addresses are incorrect, you’ll need to enter the correct ones to fix the issue. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “ncpa.cpl” into the box and press Enter.
3. Right-click on your network adapter and select “Properties.”
4. Click on “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” and then 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” and try accessing the website again.

Fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN Using Command Prompt

The Command Prompt is a powerful tool that can be used to fix a variety of computer issues. To fix the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error using Command Prompt, follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type “netsh int ip set dns” and press Enter.
3. Then, type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter.
4. Restart your computer and try reaccessing the website.

It’s worth noting that some of these solutions may not work for everyone, as the cause of the DNS_PROBE_FINISHED_NXDOMAIN error can vary. However, trying these methods can help you isolate and fix the issue in most cases.

Summing Up

In conclusion, the DNS Probe Finished Nxdomain error can be a frustrating issue that prevents you from accessing the websites you need. However, by following the methods outlined in this article, you can fix the issue and get back online quickly. Remember to check your local DNS cache, hosts file, and DNS server addresses, as these are the most common causes of the error. If you’re still experiencing the issue after trying these solutions, it may be worth reaching out to your internet service provider for further assistance.

Are you curious about common browser errors and how to fix them? If so, be sure to check out our related article on ERR_CONNECTION_RESET. By using these guides, you can troubleshoot a wide range of issues and make the most of your browsing experience.